PM Narendra Modi: Prambanan Temple Restoration Strengthens Indonesia-India Cultural Heritage
The Governments of Indonesia and India are strengthening their partnership in cultural heritage preservation through Prambanan Temple conservation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed that the Prambanan Temple Compounds serve as a symbol of cultural heritage that has connected Indonesia and India for over a millennium.
PM Modi delivered this statement in his remarks at the Prambanan Temple Compounds in Sleman regency, Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) province, alongside President Prabowo Subianto, on Wednesday (7/8).
“This is a place that showcases the shared cultural heritage of our two countries. I am also very fortunate to be with my best friend (President Prabowo) to begin the restoration of this magnificent temple compounds. Thank you very much for this opportunity,” said PM Modi.
He said Indonesia’s rich culture reminds him of India’s cultural heritage. PM Modi believes that these similarities are the glue that binds the relationship between the two nations which has existed for more than 1,200 years.
“This nation’s cultural heritage reminds us of the fragrance of our own heritage in India. And it is this cultural heritage that unites our two countries. For more than 1,200 years, the people of this country have preserved this cultural heritage with commitment, perseverance, and devotion,” he said.
PM Modi also said that he and President Prabowo have committed to completing the Prambanan Temple restoration by 2029. He even stated that he will return to Indonesia to inaugurate the temple compounds once the restoration is complete.
“Before all of you, let me reaffirm my promise with our joint efforts. We will complete this work by 2029, and together we will celebrate the restoration and inauguration as a grand festival,” he said.
He said further that the temple restoration will enhance the allure of this world heritage for Indian tourists and pilgrims.
“We are currently renovating this magnificent Yogyakarta temple complex which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I can assure you that, following our joint efforts in the renovation, the number of tourists and devotees from India will grow exponentially in the future,” he said.
On the occasion, PM Modi also expressed his gratitude for being able to offer prayers at one of the largest Hindu temple compounds in Southeast Asia. He said that the visit to Prambanan Temple with President Prabowo was an opportunity to pray for the strong ties between Indonesia and India.
“I pray here for the strong ties between India and Indonesia, for strengthening friendship between our peoples, for the welfare of the peoples of both countries, and for the rapid progress and prosperity of our two nations,” PM Modi said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/MMB)
