New Delhi, Jul 8 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited the iconic UNESCO World Heritage-listed Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta, where he and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto jointly inaugurated the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) conservation and restoration project, underlining the two countries' shared civilisational heritage and expanding cultural partnership.
In a special gesture reflecting the close ties between India and Indonesia, President Prabowo personally accompanied Prime Minister Modi during the visit to the 9th-century temple complex. The two leaders unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the commencement of the ASI-led restoration initiative, a project that stems from the understanding reached during President Prabowo's State Visit to India in 2025.
According to the Prime Minister's Office, the restoration project represents India's continued commitment to preserving cultural heritage across Southeast Asia while strengthening people-to-people and civilisational links with Indonesia.
Built in the ninth century, the Prambanan Temple Complex is Indonesia's largest Hindu temple complex and is dedicated to the Trimurti—Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as one of Southeast Asia's most significant monuments and an enduring symbol of the deep historical, cultural and spiritual connections between India and Indonesia.
"The temple complex stands as an enduring symbol of the shared civilizational and cultural heritage between India and Indonesia," the government said in a statement, highlighting the significance of the monument in the long-standing relationship between the two nations.
The ASI conservation initiative follows an agreement between the two leaders to explore India's assistance in restoring temples within the Prambanan complex. The project is expected to leverage India's internationally recognised expertise in archaeological conservation and heritage restoration.
India has established a strong record of conserving heritage monuments across Southeast Asia. The Archaeological Survey of India has previously undertaken extensive documentation work at Indonesia's Borobudur Temple Compounds and has contributed to the restoration and preservation of several UNESCO World Heritage sites in the region.
The Prambanan visit formed an important cultural highlight of Prime Minister Modi's State Visit to Indonesia, which concluded on Wednesday after producing a wide-ranging set of agreements and initiatives aimed at deepening the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The visit underscored not only growing cooperation in defence, trade, technology and maritime security but also the shared commitment of both countries to preserving their rich civilisational legacy for future generations. UNI SKA AAB