Prabowo: Prambanan Temple Symbolizes Indonesia-India Relations

President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the profound historical and civilizational links between Indonesia and India, using the majestic Prambanan Temple as a potent symbol. He spoke on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, while accompanying Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a state visit to the sprawling Hindu temple complex in Sleman, Yogyakarta.

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Prambanan Temple is not just a symbol of Indonesia's historical and cultural glory, but also a reminder of the strong civilizational ties that have existed between Indonesia and India for more than 1,000 years.

For Prabowo, Modi's visit to Indonesia's largest Hindu site held special significance. "Prambanan Temple is not just a symbol of Indonesia's historical and cultural glory, but also a reminder of the strong civilizational ties that have existed between Indonesia and India for more than 1,000 years," Prabowo stated, as quoted from a live broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel.

The Chairman of the Gerindra Party elaborated that the relationship between Indonesia and India transcends mere political, economic, and defense cooperation. He asserted that the bond is deeply rooted in shared cultural values, scientific knowledge, and mutual respect. "The traces of this history can still be seen and felt today," Prabowo added.

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The traces of this history can still be seen and felt today.

During the visit, President Prabowo and Prime Minister Modi officially signed a cooperation agreement for the conservation and restoration of Prambanan Temple. Prabowo expressed his gratitude for Modi's visit to Indonesia, hoping it would further solidify the friendship between the Indonesian and Indian peoples. "Culture is a bridge that can unite nations, strengthen mutual understanding, and build trust to face a shared future," Prabowo remarked.

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Culture is a bridge that can unite nations, strengthen mutual understanding, and build trust to face a shared future.

Prabowo, who previously served as Minister of Defense under President Joko Widodo, welcomed the collaboration. "On this happy occasion, I welcome the agreement on the conservation and restoration of the Prambanan Temple complex between the Indonesian and Indian governments," he said. The visit to Prambanan was part of Modi's three-day state visit to Indonesia, which began in Jakarta on Monday, July 6, 2026. President Prabowo had formally welcomed Modi at the Merdeka Palace on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, followed by a closed-door bilateral meeting and a state lunch. Several strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the palace meeting, resulting in 16 agreements between the two nations.

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On this happy occasion, I welcome the agreement on the conservation and restoration of the Prambanan Temple complex between the Indonesian and Indian governments.