India Join Hands with Indonesia for Restoration of Prambanan Temple Complex

India and Indonesia have joined hands for the restoration and conservation of the historic Prambanan Temple Complex, located in the Special Region of Yogyakarta in southern Java.

The collaboration was discussed during a meeting between Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon and a delegation from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The focus is on preserving the Prambanan complex as part of a broader cultural landscape that includes nearby temples such as Sewu and Plaosan.

About Prambanan Temple

• Built in the 9th century, Prambanan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• It is dedicated to the Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—central deities in Hinduism.
• It is one of the finest examples of Hindu temple architecture in Southeast Asia.

India’s Cultural Diplomacy

India has played a significant role in heritage conservation across Southeast Asia, strengthening cultural ties rooted in shared civilizational links.

Key Restoration Projects by ASI:

• Cambodia: Restoration of Angkor Wat (1986–1993), the world’s largest Hindu temple complex.
• Vietnam: Conservation of Mỹ Sơn, where ancient Shiv lingas from the Champa Kingdom were discovered.
• Myanmar: Restoration of the Ananda Temple and Bagan Pagodas damaged in the 2016 earthquakes.
• Laos: Conservation of Vat Phou, an ancient Khmer-Hindu Shiva site later adapted for Buddhist use.

Significance

• Enhances India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy in Southeast Asia.
• Reinforces shared Hindu-Buddhist heritage across the region.
• Promotes tourism, conservation expertise, and international cooperation in heritage management.

Source: The Print