Prambanan set to become global Hindu spiritual hub: ministry

Tangerang, Banten (ANTARA) - A landmark bilateral restoration agreement between Indonesia and India is set to transform the Prambanan Temple complex into a premier global hub for Hindu spiritual tourism, said Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa.

She announced on Friday that the joint restoration effort will elevate the UNESCO World Heritage site's profile, unlocking its immense potential as both a cultural sanctuary and an international research hub.

"As one of the largest Shiva temples in the world, Prambanan not only holds immense historical value, but also serves as a center of civilization, research, and the development of knowledge about Hinduism," Ni Luh said in her statement.

The strategic development of Prambanan aims to attract international tourists, particularly from countries with significant Hindu populations.

"Currently, there are more than 1.2 billion Hindus spread across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Europe, and America. This is a potential market that can be further introduced to Indonesia through a combined cultural and tourism approach," she explained.

The deputy minister stressed that upcoming infrastructural and structural upgrades will strictly maintain a sustainable balance between the monument's cultural heritage, religious sanctity, and commercial tourism functions.

The bilateral restoration agreement was formalized when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the temple complex alongside Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday (July 8), as part of Modi’s state visit to Indonesia.

The historic visit is considered a vital catalyst to strengthen Prambanan's function as an active spiritual and cultural space for Hindus while upholding the principles of preservation.

Head of the Prambanan Temple Utilization Team, Nyoman Ariawan Atmaja, described the restoration project as a strategic measure to preserve the structural integrity of the world heritage site while deepening ties between Jakarta and New Delhi.

He added that immediate restoration interventions are necessary to protect the ancient stone structures from environmental degradation and wear associated with the building's age.

"With ongoing maintenance, the historical, architectural, and cultural values contained within the temple complex can continue to be passed down to future generations," Ariawan concluded.

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Translator: Achmad Irfan, Yashinta Difa

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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