Jakarta, IO – President Prabowo Subianto and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Prambanan Temple in Sleman regency, Yogyakarta, on Wednesday. The itinerary, part of Modi’s state visit to Indonesia, underscored the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and civilizational ties shared between the two nations.
En route to the venue, the helicopter carrying Prabowo and Modi completed an aerial circuit above the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This moment allowed both leaders to take in the panoramic views of the majestic monument—one of Indonesia’s most iconic historical and cultural landmarks—from the air.
Upon landing, Prabowo and Modi were warmly greeted by Culture Minister Fadli Zon and a group of local schoolchildren dressed in the traditional lurik batik—a fabric with a tiny, striped motif, which is typical clothing of rural Javanese people.
The arrival of the two leaders was also celebrated with a performance of the Ramashinta dance, accompanied by the traditional strains of a gamelan orchestra. Performed by four young dancers from the Suryo Kencono Arts Association, the classical Yogyakarta-style dance depicted prominent figures from the Ramayana epic: King Ramawijaya, Queen Shinta, Prince Lesmana, and Prince Wibisana.
The performance beautifully mirrored the reliefs carved into Prambanan’s walls, which depict the great Ramayana epic originating from India, while infusing the reception with a distinctly Javanese cultural essence.
Following the initial welcome, Prabowo and Modi held a joint photo session in front of the main temple complex. They then reviewed an observation project panel, with Fadli personally guiding them through the display. The panel showcased detailed information about Prambanan Temple alongside ongoing Indonesia-India cultural heritage preservation partnerships.
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Prabowo and Modi then proceeded to the central courtyard of Prambanan for a closer inspection. During the tour, the two leaders were briefed on the history, architecture, and cultural significance of Prambanan as a world heritage site and a source of national pride for Indonesia.
Modi then performed Hindu prayers at the Shiva Temple. Simultaneously, approximately 290 Hindu priests and devotees joined in prayer at the nearby Vishnu and Brahma temples. Sitting cross-legged and facing toward the Shiva Temple, the worshippers added an aura of solemnity and reverence to the leaders’ visit.
Subsequently, Prabowo and Modi moved to the Plataran Prambanan area. There, they witnessed the unveiling of a plaque commemorating Indonesia-India cultural heritage conservation cooperation for Prambanan Temple. The event serves as a symbol of both nations’ commitment to strengthening collaborative preservation efforts.
Through this agenda, Indonesia and India reaffirmed that culture remains a vital bridge in fortifying the friendship between their peoples. The temple visit by Prabowo and Modi serves as a milestone to honor shared historical heritage while expanding mutually respectful and beneficial bilateral cooperation. (des)