PM Modi Pledges India’s Support for Restoration of Indonesia’s 1,000-Year-Old Prambanan Temple
During his Indonesia visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India's support for the conservation and restoration of the historic Prambanan Temple, highlighting the deep civilizational ties between the two nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that India will extend its support for the restoration and preservation of the historic Prambanan Temple in Indonesia, one of the world’s most significant Hindu temple complexes. The announcement was made while addressing the Indonesian Parliament during his official visit to Jakarta.
Speaking about the shared heritage of the two countries, Modi said the relationship between India and Indonesia goes far beyond modern diplomatic ties. He noted that centuries-old cultural, religious and historical connections continue to shape the friendship between the two nations.
Built in the 9th century, the Prambanan Temple complex stands on Indonesia’s Java Island and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to the Hindu deities Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, the temple is regarded as the largest Hindu temple complex in Southeast Asia. Its central tower, dedicated to Lord Shiva, rises to nearly 47 metres.
The temple is also renowned for its intricate stone carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, reflecting the enduring influence of Indian epics on Indonesian culture. Although Indonesia has a Muslim-majority population today, the country continues to celebrate many traditions inspired by its ancient Hindu heritage.
India has previously contributed to the conservation of heritage monuments abroad, including restoration work at Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Officials believe that a similar collaboration for the Prambanan Temple would further strengthen cultural cooperation between India and Indonesia.
The announcement underscores India’s continued commitment to preserving globally significant heritage sites while reinforcing the centuries-old civilizational links shared with Southeast Asia.
