Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, expressed his deep appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Indonesian people for their unwavering commitment to preserving the nation's rich cultural heritage. He delivered these remarks during his state visit to the Prambanan Temple Complex in Sleman, the Special Region of Yogyakarta, on Wednesday.
According to Prime Minister Modi, the enduring preservation of Prambanan Temple stands as compelling evidence of the deep civilizational ties between India and Indonesia, a relationship that has flourished for more than 1,200 years.
Addressing religious leaders and official delegates, Prime Minister Modi described his visit to Indonesia's largest Hindu temple as a deeply personal and spiritual experience. He shared that his devotion to Lord Shiva began in his hometown of Vadnagar, Gujarat, a region renowned for its longstanding Shaivite tradition. That spiritual foundation, he explained, later inspired his active involvement in the revitalization of several major sacred sites across India.
“I am truly delighted to be here at this magnificent temple complex. It has been a deeply enriching experience. The fragrance of a cultural heritage preserved with such dedication and devotion can truly be felt here. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Indonesia for safeguarding the greatness of this invaluable legacy,” Prime Minister Modi said.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's full support for the planned restoration of the Prambanan Temple Complex, which will be carried out in cooperation with UNESCO. He expressed confidence that the revitalization project would further strengthen Prambanan's position as a global center of cultural and spiritual heritage while attracting more international visitors, particularly from India.
Prime Minister Modi also paid tribute to President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, for his leadership and commitment to promoting cultural diplomacy as an integral part of international relations. He expressed optimism that the restoration project would be completed on schedule before 2029.
“I am confident that this project will be completed within the planned timeframe. Today, I pledge that together we will see this restoration completed before 2029. I look forward to returning to Indonesia to inaugurate the restored temple complex. Before the people of Indonesia, I reaffirm my commitment to supporting this restoration, and once completed, we shall celebrate its inauguration together,” he stated to enthusiastic applause.
Responding to this historic occasion, Director General of Hindu Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Prof. I Nengah Duija, expressed his appreciation for the shared commitment demonstrated by the leaders of both nations in placing spiritual and cultural values at the heart of international cooperation.
“This state visit, which included a joint worship ceremony, reaffirms Prambanan Temple's status as a living monument for Hindus in Indonesia and around the world. The presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Prabowo Subianto provides tremendous spiritual encouragement while demonstrating the government's commitment to ensuring that the temple continues to function as a center of worship and a venue for intercultural dialogue among nations,” Prof. Duija said.
Prof. Duija further welcomed the shared vision of the two leaders, noting that the bilateral relationship between India and Indonesia extends far beyond economic and political cooperation. Instead, it is deeply rooted in centuries of shared history, cultural exchange, and spiritual traditions that have connected the two civilizations for more than a millennium.
Concluding his visit, Prime Minister Modi expressed his sincere gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto and the people of Indonesia for their warm hospitality and spirit of friendship. The visit is expected to serve as a new milestone in strengthening the strategic partnership between Indonesia and India while reaffirming their shared commitment to preserving the enduring values of their cultural and spiritual heritage.
Editor : I Made Juni Saputra
Photographer : I Gede Dipayana
Contributed and translated by Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori
