Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, Founder and Chairman of MBRA Groups and senior functionary of Indian National Congress, conferred prestigious royal title of “Dato’” by Kerajaan Kutai Mulawarman in Indonesia (one of oldest and most revered traditional royal institutions of Indonesia).
The honour granted under Royal Decree No. SP-0939.2401.2026 (dated 24 January 2026) by His Majesty Maharaja Kutai Mulawarman, Prof. Dr. M.S.P.A. Iansyah Rechza, FW, PhD. This marks a significant instance of international recognition for an Indian public figure in the field of social development and international cooperation.
About the Royal Honour – “Dato’”
- The title “Dato’” conferred under Kutai Mulawarman royal tradition.
- It is granted through Sabda Panditha, the official royal decree.
- The conferment follows long-established adat istiadat (customary law).
- The honour carries formal institutional standing and has been legally registered in the official court records of Tenggarong, Indonesia.
- It is reserved for individuals demonstrating:
- Exceptional merit
- Leadership
- Sustained contribution
- International goodwill
With this conferment, Dr. Mallappa becomes the third Indian national to receive this honour under the Kutai Mulawarman tradition.
Additional Recognition
Along with the royal title, Dr. Mallappa was appointed as:
- Honorary Member of the Grand Palace Family (Anggota Keluarga Besar Istana Kerajaan Kutai Mulawarman)
This was granted under Royal Certificate No. AG-1040.2301.2026 and registered in the Book of Registry of Tenggarong District Court.
Reasons for Conferment
The title recognises Dr. Mallappa’s contributions in:
- Social development
- Humanitarian initiatives
- Agriculture and rural empowerment
- Economic development
- International cooperation
The recognition reflects his work extending beyond national boundaries into cross-border developmental engagement.
International Cooperation Agreement
During the visit (24–25 January 2026), Dr. Mallappa, in his capacity as CEO of MBRA Agro Impex Food Products (OPC) Private Limited, signed Consortium Cooperation Agreements with the Kutai Mulawarman institution:
- Agreement Nos. CCA-1060.2401.2026
- CCA-1074.2501.2026
Areas of Collaboration:
- Agro-based trade
- Food processing
- Rural economic development
- Bilateral agricultural cooperation
This marks a step toward India–Indonesia grassroots economic engagement.
About Dr. Bhargav Mallappa
Dr. Bhargav Mallappa is:
- An Indian politician, entrepreneur, and social reformer
- Founder and Chairman of MBRA Groups
- Senior functionary of the Indian National Congress
- National Deputy Chairman and In-Charge of Administration & Organization for People Forum of India
Key Focus Areas:
- Farmer-centric programmes
- Youth leadership initiatives
- Economic empowerment
- Human rights advocacy
Previous Recognitions:
- Doctorates in Social Work and Human Rights
- Rashtriya Seva Ratna Award
- Iconic Peace Award
Significance of Honour
- Enhances India’s soft power and people-to-people diplomacy
- Strengthens India–Indonesia cultural and economic ties
- Demonstrates recognition of Indian social leadership at an international level
- Reflects growing South–South cooperation beyond government channels