Prambanan – Modi and Prabowo Launch India-Backed Temple Conservation Project
Prambanan – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday marked the beginning of an India-supported conservation initiative at the Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta, underlining the cultural dimension of the two countries’ expanding strategic partnership.
The two leaders visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site, where they formally inaugurated the restoration project for the centuries-old Hindu temple complex. Prime Minister Modi offered prayers at the shrine and interacted with officials involved in the conservation work.
Welcome for the two leaders
Residents and visitors gathered along the route to the temple complex, carrying Indian and Indonesian flags as the leaders arrived at Prambanan. The visit drew attention to the historical and cultural links that have connected India and Indonesia for generations.
Earlier in the day, Modi shared an aerial video of the temple complex on X, describing Prambanan as majestic. The monument is widely recognised as Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple complex and remains one of the country’s most important archaeological and religious sites.
Conservation agreement signed in Yogyakarta
The restoration project follows the exchange of a Letter of Intent between India and Indonesia on Tuesday. The agreement was signed during discussions between Modi and Prabowo and provides for Indian support in the conservation of structures within the Prambanan complex.
The initiative is part of broader efforts by the two countries to strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both governments have also highlighted the importance of cultural preservation in promoting closer public ties and greater understanding between the two societies.
A monument shaped by Hindu traditions
Built in the ninth century, Prambanan is dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva and is known for its striking stone towers and detailed relief work. The central Shiva temple rises about 47 metres and is the tallest structure in the complex.
The site originally included around 240 temples. Its principal shrines honour Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, while other structures are dedicated to their associated divine mounts. Stone carvings across the complex illustrate episodes from the Ramayana and other Hindu traditions.
These artistic and religious features have long made Prambanan an important symbol of the shared cultural heritage of India and Southeast Asia. The conservation programme is expected to support the protection of the monument’s architecture, carvings and historical character.
Shared civilisational links highlighted
During his visit, Modi said the relationship between India and Indonesia extends beyond geography and modern diplomacy. He referred to the influence of the Ramayana and Mahabharata traditions in both countries and noted the cultural importance of monuments such as Prambanan and Borobudur.
He also pointed to Garuda, Indonesia’s national emblem, and the Bali Jatra festival as examples of historical connections that continue to shape cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Modi is on a three-day visit to Indonesia, during which he held bilateral talks with President Prabowo, addressed the Indonesian Parliament and met members of the Indian community.
Wider partnership discussed in bilateral talks
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders reviewed cooperation in trade, investment, defence, maritime security, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, space, critical minerals, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
The discussions also covered international and multilateral developments, with both sides reaffirming their support for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Several agreements were exchanged during the visit in areas including maritime safety, defence, space cooperation, steel supply chains, rare earths, health, agriculture, science and technology. Indian officials said the agreements are expected to broaden cooperation across priority sectors and further deepen the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.