India’s Modi pledges return for restored Prambanan Temple before 2029

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday pledged to return to Indonesia before 2029 to join the inauguration of the Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta after the completion of the Indonesia-India restoration project.

He conveyed the promise while delivering remarks to the press alongside Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto within the historic compound.

“Today, my friend, President Prabowo, asked me to promise that the project will conclude before 2029 and that I will return to Indonesia to inaugurate the temple complex once the restoration has finished. Before everyone present, I hereby reaffirm the promise,” Modi said.

He highlighted that the two governments had agreed to ensure project completion before 2029, to be marked by a grand celebration. The prime minister voiced optimism that the UNESCO World Heritage site would attract more tourists and pilgrims from India once restored under the bilateral framework.

Modi attributed the planned restoration to Prabowo, citing the president’s planning expertise gained during his military career.

“For that reason, he is able to outline a clear strategy for the restoration plans. His planning has convinced me that the restoration work will be completed ahead of schedule,” he added.

Modi also extended appreciation to the people of Indonesia for safeguarding the Hindu temple for more than 1,200 years and thanked the government for preserving the cultural heritage site.

He concluded his speech with praise for Prabowo, lauding his warm welcome and companionship throughout the visit.

“President Prabowo’s attention to every detail of my agenda and its excellent implementation makes me speechless,” he said.

Earlier, Prabowo and Modi toured the complex by air and land before jointly launching the restoration project, officially designated as the IndonesiaIndia Collaborative Cultural Heritage Conservation for Prambanan Temple.

Culture Minister Fadli Zon explained that the collaborative project would cover the revitalization of perwara, lesser temple-shaped structures currently in a ruined state.

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