PM Modi Promises to Return to Indonesia for Prambanan Temple Inauguration

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to return to Indonesia for the official unveiling of the restored Candi Prambanan complex. The restoration project, a bilateral collaboration between the governments of India and Indonesia, is currently slated for completion by 2029, though Modi believes the work may be finished ahead of that schedule. Mr. Modi confirmed his commitment to witness the project’s conclusion during his three-day state visit, which concluded on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

Bilateral Restoration and Tourism Projections

The restoration of the 1,200-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site is expected to significantly increase interest among travelers and pilgrims from India. During his visit to the Yogyakarta site on July 8, 2026, Prime Minister Modi stated that the joint effort would serve to strengthen the site’s appeal as a cultural destination. He expressed his gratitude to the Indonesian government and the public for their ongoing efforts in preserving the historic complex.

Did You Know? The Candi Prambanan complex has been a standing cultural heritage site for more than 1,200 years, a longevity that Prime Minister Modi highlighted as a symbol of the shared cultural history between India and Indonesia.

Spiritual Significance and Shared Heritage

Reflecting on the site’s atmosphere, Prime Minister Modi drew a parallel between the Indonesian temple complex and his own spiritual experiences at Kailash Mansarovar in Lhasa. He noted that while visiting the Prambanan site, he felt a resonance with the sacred mantras of Mahamrityunjaya and Om Namah Shivaya. For the Prime Minister, the site represents a shared cultural heritage that transcends national borders, connecting the spiritual traditions of both nations.

Government Cooperation and Departure

President Prabowo Subianto officially welcomed the conservation agreement, thanking the Indian Prime Minister for his state visit. Following the conclusion of the diplomatic agenda on July 8, 2026, President Prabowo accompanied Mr. Modi to the Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA). The Indian presidential aircraft, Air India One, departed in the afternoon, escorted by three Indonesian Air Force fighter jets through Indonesian airspace.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Candi Prambanan restoration expected to be finished?
The project is officially targeted for completion in 2029, though there is an expectation that the work could be completed sooner.

Why did Prime Minister Modi visit Candi Prambanan?
The visit was part of a three-day state agenda in Indonesia, where he also participated in spiritual reflection and discussed the bilateral conservation project with Indonesian leadership.

How did the Indian delegation depart Indonesia?
Prime Minister Modi departed from Yogyakarta International Airport on the afternoon of July 8, 2026, with an escort of three Indonesian Air Force fighter jets.