The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will conserve the UNESCO World Heritage Prambanan Temple under India-Indonesia cooperation. PM Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto jointly launched the initiative, which is a milestone in bilateral cultural cooperation.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Wednesday said it is honored to undertake the conservation of Indonesia’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Prambanan Temple under the India-Indonesia Collaborative Conservation Initiative jointly launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
“The Archaeological Survey of India is honored to undertake the conservation of Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, under the India-Indonesia Collaborative Conservation Initiative jointly launched by the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto,” ASI said in a post on X.
Milestone in bilateral cultural cooperation
Calling it a milestone in bilateral cultural cooperation, ASI said, “This historic collaboration is a testament to the enduring civilizational ties between India and Indonesia, reflecting our shared commitment to preserve our rich cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations.”
10th century Prambanan Temple
The 10th-century Prambanan temple is Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, the ASI said.
It said, “This vast complex consists of 240 temples, including three grand central temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. These are accompanied by three temples dedicated to their respective vehicles (divine rides), while beautifully carved reliefs narrating the story of the Ramayana adorn the temple walls.”
PM Modi and President Prabowo inaugurated
Earlier on Wednesday, PM Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo jointly inaugurated the restoration project at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking an important milestone in India-Indonesia cultural cooperation.
PM Modi offered prayers at the ancient temple and interacted with officials at the site.
Crowds waving national flags of both the countries welcomed the two leaders when they reached the historic temple complex.
Earlier, Modi had shared an aerial video of the temple on Twitter, describing it as the “majestic Prambanan temple”.
Strategic Partnerships and Conservation Initiatives
On Tuesday, India and Indonesia exchanged a Letter of Intent for an India-backed conservation and restoration initiative at the temple complex following bilateral talks between Modi and Prabowo.
The discussions focused on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and promoting a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region. Built in the 9th century, Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva. At its center is a 47-metre-high Shiva temple, while the complex also includes shrines dedicated to Vishnu and Brahma, as well as shrines to their divine vehicles. Its intricate stone carvings depict scenes from the Ramayana and other Hindu epics, reflecting the deep civilizational ties between India and Southeast Asia. (ANI)
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