The Eastern Voice correspondent

(Kumari Akanksha)

New Delhi. In a major step for cultural diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto officially launched the India-backed restoration of Yogyakarta’s 1,000-year-old, UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple. The two leaders unveiled a special commemorative plaque to begin the large-scale conservation project, which will be carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Built in the 9th century, Prambanan is Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple complex and is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. The temple has suffered heavy damage over the centuries due to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. To protect the site, the ASI will work with Indonesian authorities to carefully restore its fragile shrines and detailed Ramayana stone carvings.

The project is an important part of India’s “Act East” policy and follows other successful ASI restoration projects in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and Vietnam’s My Son Sanctuary. President Prabowo also invited Modi to return for a joint celebration when the restoration is completed before 2029, highlighting how their shared ancient heritage continues to strengthen their modern strategic partnership.