Indonesia and India Collaborate on Prambanan Temple Conservation

State-owned tourism holding company PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero), or InJourney, has welcomed a new collaboration between the Indonesian and Indian governments for the conservation and restoration of Prambanan Temple. The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening cultural diplomacy and preserving the world heritage site. Prambanan Temple is a testament to the long-standing friendship between Indonesia and India. The collaboration follows a visit by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the temple complex. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that Prambanan showcases the shared cultural heritage between the two nations. The visit by the two leaders serves as a milestone, signifying a joint commitment to a long-term conservation programme for the world heritage site. The conservation effort will involve the restoration of 224 perwara, or companion temples, within the Prambanan complex. The work will be carried out using a scientific approach, encompassing archaeological research, digital documentation, and artificial intelligence-based reconstruction. The programme also includes knowledge exchange and capacity building for conservation experts from both countries. InJourney, as the holding company for the aviation and tourism state-owned enterprises and the parent of the temple’s manager, InJourney Destination Management (IDM), views the collaboration as aligned with its mission to develop world-class destinations through cultural preservation and international partnerships. InJourney President Director Maya Watono stated that the collaboration demonstrates how cultural heritage can be an effective medium for strengthening international relations while creating broader benefits for Indonesia’s tourism sector. She noted that the momentum supports nation branding efforts to position Indonesia as a world-class cultural destination capable of sustainably managing its heritage through international partnerships. Maya expressed optimism that the collaboration would increase Indonesia’s appeal, particularly in the Indian market with its 1.4 billion population, and drive growth in quality inbound tourism. She added that cultural heritage preservation must ultimately deliver tangible benefits to communities through job creation, the growth of MSMEs and the creative economy, and improved welfare around the destination. Esti Nurjadin, Head of the Museum and Cultural Heritage Agency (MCB) which owns the Prambanan Temple complex assets, emphasised that the conservation work will uphold the site’s authenticity and integrity as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. She stated that all work will prioritise authenticity, integrity, and a scientific approach, with success measured not only by the number of restored temples but also by the enhanced capacity of Indonesian conservators and the development of science-based conservation practices. Febrina Intan, President Director of InJourney Destination Management, added that since its designation as a centre of worship for Indonesian and global Hindus in 2022, the Prambanan area is now viewed not merely as a tourist attraction or archaeological site, but also as a space for cultural diplomacy, spirituality, education, and international cooperation. Data shows that Indian tourists average nearly 4,000 visits per year to the Prambanan area, indicating significant growth potential through strengthened promotion and bilateral cooperation. The visit by the Indian Prime Minister is expected to catalyse further interest from Indian tourists. Prambanan, the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and a masterpiece of 9th-century Siwa Hindu architecture from the Ancient Mataram Kingdom, attracts around 2.4 million domestic and international visitors annually, making it one of the most popular heritage destinations in the country.