Modi and Prabowo Unite at Prambanan, Deepening India-Indonesia Cultural Ties
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made a significant joint visit to the ancient Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta today, inaugurating a crucial conservation project that highlights the deep cultural bonds and growing strategic alignment between their nations. The leaders, amid traditional Indonesian welcome ceremonies, toured the UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking a new chapter in their bilateral cooperation focused on preserving shared heritage. This visit is a key moment in Prime Minister Modi's ongoing three-nation tour and follows a Letter of Intent signed yesterday, formalizing India's role through its Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in restoring the 9th-century Hindu temple. It reinforces the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2018, and strengthens India's 'Act East Policy' by using cultural diplomacy to build trust and cooperation in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region. The two nations also announced 2026-2027 as the 'Tagore-Dewantara Year,' commemorating literary and educational pioneers to boost people-to-people exchanges. Looking ahead, the conservation efforts at Prambanan are expected to take years, showcasing India's long-term commitment to heritage preservation across Southeast Asia. Beyond this, the 'Tagore-Dewantara Year' promises a range of cultural and educational initiatives, including potential Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campuses in Indonesia, further cementing academic and youth ties. This landmark visit underscores a strategic convergence, positioning India and Indonesia as key partners in fostering a stable and culturally rich Indo-Pacific.