Prabowo: Prambanan Temple a powerful symbol of RI-India civilisational ties

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that Prambanan Temple is a powerful symbol of the civilisational relationship between Indonesia and India, which has been forged for more than 1,000 years. “This visit holds a very special meaning. Prambanan Temple is not only a symbol of Indonesia’s historical and cultural glory, but also a reminder of the strong civilisational ties that have existed between Indonesia and India for over a thousand years,” Prabowo said in a joint statement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Prambanan Temple complex, Yogyakarta, on Wednesday. Prabowo said the visit was particularly meaningful because Prambanan Temple is not only a symbol of Indonesia’s historical and cultural triumphs, but also a reminder of the close civilisational relationship between the two nations. According to the President, the relationship between Indonesia and India is built not only through cooperation in the political, economic, and defence sectors, but is also deeply rooted in shared cultural values, knowledge, and mutual respect. Traces of this relationship, the President said, can still be seen and felt today. “Prambanan Temple is not merely a historical structure. It is a symbol of the great Nusantara civilisation that upholds knowledge, art, spirituality, and humanity,” Prabowo said. The Head of State added that Prambanan Temple also holds special meaning for Indonesia and India because the reliefs of the Ramayana epic carved on its walls bear witness to the closeness of the two civilisations. The President expressed hope that the joint visit with Prime Minister Modi to Prambanan Temple would further strengthen the friendship between the peoples of Indonesia and India. According to Prabowo, culture is a bridge that can unite nations, strengthen mutual understanding, and build trust to face a shared future. On the occasion, Prabowo also welcomed the agreement on the conservation and restoration of the Prambanan Temple complex between the Governments of Indonesia and India. “May the friendship between Indonesia and India grow stronger, closer, and continue to produce tangible and mutually beneficial cooperation for both countries and their peoples,” Prabowo said.