Indonesia and India have reached a landmark agreement to collaborate on the conservation and restoration of the Prambanan Temple Complex, marking a new milestone in cultural diplomacy between the two nations. Beyond preserving one of the world's most significant cultural heritage sites, the partnership is expected to further strengthen the historical, spiritual, and cultural ties that have connected Indonesia and India for centuries.
The commitment was officially marked by the visit of President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to the Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta on Wednesday. Their visit also signified the commencement of a collaborative restoration initiative for the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Director General of Hindu Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. I Nengah Duija, described the occasion as a strategic milestone, not only for Indonesia–India bilateral relations but also for preserving the legacy of Hindu civilization that forms an integral part of Indonesia's historical and cultural identity.
“We express our sincere appreciation to President Prabowo Subianto for assisting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Prambanan Temple. The presence of both leaders demonstrates their shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage while strengthening the spiritual and cultural bonds between Indonesia and India,” said Prof. Duija.
According to Prof. Duija, the planned ten-year restoration of 224 perwara (ancillary) temples represents a long-term investment in safeguarding one of the world's most valuable cultural heritage sites. The initiative is intended not only to restore the physical structures but also to revitalize the historical, educational, and spiritual values embodied within the Prambanan complex.
“Prambanan stands as a symbol of a great civilization that harmoniously integrates culture, knowledge, art, and spirituality. Preserving this heritage is a shared responsibility to ensure that its values continue to educate and inspire future generations,” he said.
Following their tour of the temple complex, President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that Prambanan is one of the world's great civilizational masterpieces and a source of pride for Indonesia, while also holding profound significance for the international community.
The President noted that the relationship between Indonesia and India has been built not only through cooperation in economic, political, and defense sectors but also upon deep historical and cultural foundations that have evolved over more than a millennium. This enduring connection, he said, remains visible through numerous historical legacies, including the Ramayana reliefs that adorn the walls of Prambanan Temple.
“Prambanan is real evidence that Indonesia and India share an exceptionally strong cultural foundation. These shared values continue to serve as a bridge that strengthens the friendship between our two nations,” President Prabowo stated.
President Prabowo also welcomed the conservation agreement reached by both governments, describing it as a reflection of their shared commitment to protecting the world's cultural heritage while advancing cultural diplomacy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi likewise described the Prambanan Temple Complex as a powerful symbol of the historical ties that have linked the peoples of Indonesia and India for more than 1,200 years. He reaffirmed the two countries' commitment to completing the restoration project by 2029.
“We share the same determination to complete the restoration of this remarkable heritage site. I look forward to returning to Indonesia when the work is finished so that together we can celebrate the success of this collaboration,” Prime Minister Modi said.
Prime Minister Modi also expressed confidence that the successful restoration would further enhance Prambanan's appeal as a world-class destination for cultural and spiritual tourism. He believes the project will encourage more visitors and pilgrims from India to experience firsthand the cultural heritage that has long connected the histories of both nations.
The Prambanan conservation partnership demonstrates how cultural heritage preservation can serve as a meaningful platform for international collaboration. Beyond safeguarding one of the world's greatest architectural masterpieces, the initiative strengthens cultural diplomacy, deepens the friendship between the peoples of Indonesia and India, and creates broader opportunities for cooperation in education, tourism, cultural exchange, and heritage preservation for generations to come.
Editor : I Made Juni Saputra
Photographer : I Gusti Ngurah Sathya Dharma
Contributed and translated by Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori
