Prabowo: Prambanan Temple Symbolises Longstanding RI-India Ties
President Prabowo Subianto has described the Prambanan Temple as a reminder of the longstanding relationship between Indonesia and India. The Head of State made the remarks whilst accompanying Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a visit to the temple complex in Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, as part of a state visit.
For Prabowo, PM Modi’s visit to Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple site held special significance. ‘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 more than 1,000 years,’ Prabowo said on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, as quoted from a live broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel.
According to the Gerindra Party Chairman, the relationship between Indonesia and India is not built solely on political, economic, and defence cooperation. The ties between the two countries are also deeply rooted in cultural values, science, and mutual respect. ‘We can still see and feel that historical footprint today,’ Prabowo stated.
On the occasion, President Prabowo and PM Modi officially signed a cooperation agreement for the conservation and restoration of the Prambanan Temple. Prabowo expressed his gratitude for PM Modi’s visit to Indonesia. He expressed hope that their joint visit to Prambanan Temple would further strengthen the friendship between the peoples of Indonesia and India. ‘Culture is a bridge that can unite nations, strengthen mutual understanding, and build trust to face a shared future,’ Prabowo said.
The former Minister of Defence under President Joko Widodo welcomed the cooperation between Indonesia and India in the conservation of Prambanan Temple. ‘On this happy occasion, I welcome the agreement on the conservation and restoration of the Prambanan Temple complex between the governments of Indonesia and India,’ he stated.
The visit to Prambanan Temple was part of PM Modi’s state visit to Indonesia. Modi visited Indonesia for three days, having been in Jakarta since Monday, 6 July 2026. President Prabowo officially received Modi at a state ceremony at Merdeka Palace on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. They also held a closed bilateral meeting followed by delegations from both sides and a luncheon.
A number of strategic memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Indonesia and India were signed at Merdeka Palace. The meeting resulted in 16 agreements between the two countries. During his visit, PM Modi and the Indian government delegation also visited the MPR/DPR/DPD RI building in the Senayan area of Jakarta. PM Modi also attended an Indian Community Reception. President Prabowo accompanied PM Modi at both events.