President Prabowo and PM Modi Visits Prambanan Temple, Signifies Indonesia-India Historical and Cultural Ties
President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi visited the Prambanan Temple Complex in Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, on Wednesday (07/08). The visit was part of Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to Indonesia and underscored the close historical, cultural, and civilizational ties between Indonesia and India.
Previously, on their journey to the venue, the helicopter carrying President Prabowo and Prime Minister Modi circled the Prambanan Temple area upon entering the airspace of the World Heritage site. This moment offered both leaders the opportunity to enjoy an aerial view of the historic temple complex, one of Indonesia’s cultural icons.
Upon arriving at the Prambanan Temple complex, President Prabowo and Prime Minister Modi were welcomed by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon. The atmosphere was warm, with schoolchildren dressed in lurik batik attire present at the site.
The two leaders were also welcomed with the Ramashinta dance, accompanied by gamelan music. Performed by four child dancers from the Suryo Kencono Arts Community, this classical Yogyakarta-style dance featured characters from the Ramayana epic, namely Prabu Ramawijaya, Dewi Shinta, Raden Lesmana, and Raden Wibisana. The performance harmonized with the reliefs of Prambanan Temple, which depict the grand Ramayana story of Indian origin, while at the same time, infusing the welcome ceremony for President Prabowo and Prime Minister Modi with a rich Javanese cultural atmosphere.
Following the welcoming ceremony, President Prabowo and Prime Minister Modi took part in a photo session in front of the temple complex. The two leaders then inspected a project panel, with explanations provided directly by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon. The display featured information on Prambanan Temple as well as the Indonesia-India partnership in cultural heritage preservation.
Afterwards, President Prabowo and Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the main area of Prambanan Temple for a tour. During the tour, they were briefed on the history, architecture, and cultural significance of Prambanan Temple as a World Heritage site and a source of pride for Indonesia.
As part of the visit, Prime Minister Modi also performed Hindu worship at the Shiva Temple. At the same time, around 290 priests and Hindu devotees joined in prayer within the precincts of the Vishnu and Brahma Temples. Seated cross-legged and facing the Shiva Temple, they created a solemn atmosphere during the two leaders’ visit.
Following the series of inspections and religious observances, President Prabowo and Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Prambanan courtyard. There, the two leaders witnessed the unveiling of a plaque marking the Indonesia-India cultural heritage conservation partnership for Prambanan Temple. The unveiling symbolized the commitment of both nations to strengthening cooperation in cultural heritage preservation.
Through this agenda, Indonesia and India reaffirmed that culture serves as a vital bridge in strengthening the friendship between the two nations. The visit by President Prabowo and Prime Minister Modi to Prambanan Temple marked a significant moment for preserving historical heritage while expanding bilateral cooperation based on mutual respect and benefit. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat) (AW/LW)
