Jakarta, ThedailyID — President Prabowo Subianto and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the revitalization and conservation project for the Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta on Wednesday. The initiative marks a new chapter in cultural cooperation between Indonesia and India.
Prabowo said the project carries special significance. He described Prambanan as both one of Indonesia’s greatest cultural treasures and a symbol of the two countries’ centuries-old ties.
“Today, I warmly welcome the agreement on the conservation and restoration of the Prambanan Temple Complex between the Government of Indonesia and the Government of India,” Prabowo said during the ceremony.
Earlier, Prabowo accompanied Modi on a visit to Prambanan. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most important cultural landmarks.
Prabowo said Indonesia and India share more than political and economic cooperation. According to him, both countries have built strong connections through culture, knowledge, and mutual respect.
“Prambanan is not only a symbol of Indonesia’s rich history and culture. It also reminds us of the strong civilizational ties that have connected Indonesia and India for more than 1,000 years,” he said.
He added that the Ramayana reliefs carved into the temple walls highlight the close historical and cultural links between the two nations. He also expressed hope that the restoration project would deepen bilateral friendship.
“Culture serves as a bridge that unites nations, promotes mutual understanding, and builds trust for the future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Modi said he felt honored to launch the restoration of a heritage site that is around 1,000 to 1,200 years old.
“I feel very fortunate to begin the restoration and conservation of this remarkable heritage site. I am truly excited,” Modi said.
He said Prambanan’s atmosphere reminded him of India’s cultural and spiritual traditions. He also thanked the Indonesian people for preserving the temple complex for centuries.
“I sincerely thank the people of Indonesia for protecting and preserving this extraordinary cultural heritage with such dedication,” Modi said.
During the visit, Modi also heard the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and the chant “Om Namah Shivaya.” He described the experience as deeply meaningful.
Furthermore, Modi said the restoration project would attract more Indian tourists and pilgrims to Indonesia.
The project forms part of the broader cultural cooperation that Prabowo and Modi agreed on during their bilateral meeting in Jakarta.
Culture Minister Fadli Zon previously said India first expressed interest in supporting Prambanan’s conservation about 18 months ago. The partnership will focus on restoring the Perwara temples surrounding the three main temples.
Officials from both countries are still conducting technical studies. Therefore, they have not yet finalized the budget or the scope of the restoration.
