Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have launched a joint project to conserve the Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta province, marking the implementation of an agreement reached during the former's visit to India in 2025.
Speaking at the July 8 event, Prabowo described Prambanan as not only a historic monument but also a symbol of the great civilisation of the Indonesian archipelago.
He noted that the Ramayana bas-reliefs adorning the temple walls stand as vivid testimony to the centuries-old cultural exchanges and enduring ties between the civilisations of Indonesia and India.
Modi, for his part, said Prambanan is a sacred site for the Hindu community and expressed appreciation to the Indonesian government and people for preserving the invaluable cultural heritage over the centuries.
According to Indonesian Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, the conservation programme will focus on restoring the Perwara temples, which surround the main temple complex. The first phase will cover 54 Perwara temples in the northeastern section of the site, serving as a model for subsequent restoration phases.
The programme also includes the digital documentation of the entire complex using LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry technologies, as well as archaeological, structural, hydrological and geotechnical studies. In addition, it encompasses capacity-building initiatives and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to develop digital reconstructions and support technical analysis.
Built in the ninth century, Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site./.
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The two leaders agreed to intensify state visits and high-level talks, foster closer coordination through bilateral consultation mechanisms, and strengthen institutional cooperation involving think tanks and the newly formed interparliamentary friendship group.
