Indonesia, India partner to restore Prambanan statues using AI

Indonesia and India are joining forces to restore 218 statues at the historic Prambanan Temple Complex, employing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, 3D scanning, LiDAR, and photogrammetry. This collaboration aims to dramatically accelerate a conservation process that has historically spanned centuries.

The joint conservation effort was formalized during the visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Prambanan Complex on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. This occasion also marked the beginning of a strategic partnership between the two nations focused on preserving cultural heritage.

Maya Watono, CEO of InJourney, highlighted the significant opportunity this collaboration presents for restoring over 200 statues that remain unerected. She noted that modern technology eliminates the need for the centuries-long restoration timelines previously envisioned. "Now there are technologies we can use to speed things up. It's no longer like before, otherwise it would take us hundreds of years to build," Watono told reporters at Candi Prambanan.

The restoration is targeted for completion within the next three to five years. Watono expressed confidence that the standing of over 200 additional statues will enhance Prambanan's grandeur and solidify its status as a world-class spiritual and cultural heritage destination. The partnership is also expected to bolster Indonesia's tourism appeal, particularly to India's large population, and strengthen Indonesia's global image.