On January 27, 2025, President Prabowo Subianto was formally honored with the Darjah Kerabat Johor Yang Amat Dihormati Pangkat Pertama (D.K I Johor) by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim during an official state ceremony at Malaysia’s National Palace. This prestigious royal award marks one of the highest honors granted by the Johor monarchy and symbolizes deep diplomatic trust between Indonesia and Malaysia.
The Darjah Kerabat Johor was established in 1886 by Sultan Abu Bakar and is reserved for royalty and selected heads of state who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to bilateral relationships. The motto of the award, “Muafakat Itu Berkat” or “Concord is a Blessing,” reflects the spirit of unity and mutual respect that underpins its conferment.
President Prabowo was presented with a ceremonial gold collar inscribed in Jawi script bearing the name of Sultan Abu Bakar, as well as a nine-pointed star representing values such as leadership, nobility, and solidarity. The symbolic design adds cultural depth to an honor that is as much about heritage as it is about diplomacy.
By receiving this award, President Prabowo joins a distinguished list of global figures including Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, Indonesia’s former President Soeharto, and King Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa of Bahrain. His inclusion affirms Indonesia’s strategic role in Southeast Asia and signals a reinforcement of diplomatic relations at the highest levels.
This gesture from the Johor Sultanate emphasizes the importance of Indonesia–Malaysia relations, which continue to evolve through cooperation in defense, trade, and education. The royal recognition of President Prabowo symbolizes both a tribute to his statesmanship and an invitation to deepen regional collaboration in the years to come.
