Indonesia and India to Restore 100 Prambanan Temples, Target Completion by 2029

Indonesia and India are set to collaborate on the restoration of 100 Candi Perwara (ancillary temples) within the Prambanan Temple Complex. Each nation will undertake the restoration of 50 temples, with a target completion date set before 2029. This joint initiative was discussed during a meeting between Indonesian Minister of Culture Fadli Zon and Indian Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on the sidelines of the XI BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. Minister Fadli highlighted that the cooperation extends beyond the physical restoration of the temples to encompass the exchange of knowledge and conservation expertise between the two countries. He emphasized that the cultural ties between Indonesia and India are an integral part of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between them. In addition to the Prambanan restoration, the discussions also included the Pucangan Inscription, also known as the Calcutta Stone, which is currently housed in the Indian Museum in Kolkata. Indonesia expressed its hope for continued dialogue with India, particularly to facilitate the inscription's return to the country. The two nations also deliberated on the implementation of the Indonesia-India Cultural Exchange Programme for 2025-2028. This program aims to foster collaboration through artist residencies, museum fellowships, archaeological field schools, joint research, co-productions of films, and joint projects on digital cultural heritage. Furthermore, the "Tagore-Dewantara Year 2026-2027" is planned to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore's visit to Indonesia, focusing on cooperation in cultural, educational, literary, academic, and youth exchange. India's Minister of Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, stated that the historical relationship between the two countries provides a strong foundation for expanding cooperation in cultural heritage preservation. India also opened avenues for collaboration in the conservation of technology-based manuscripts and maritime culture, including discussions on incorporating Phinisi ships into India's National Maritime Complex. Minister Fadli assessed that the relationship between Indonesia and India is growing stronger, evidenced by visits such as President Prabowo Subianto's trip to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Indonesia, including to the Prambanan Temple Complex. Accompanying Minister Fadli were Director General of Diplomacy, Promotion, and Cultural Cooperation Endah T.D. Retnoastuti, Acting Charge d'Affaires Ad Interim of the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi Yudho Sasongko, and Director of Cultural Cooperation Mardisontori. From the Indian side, Joint Secretary of the Indian Ministry of Culture, Arvind Kumar, was present. Information Source: VOI English