Narendra Modi visited the Prambanan Temple, Indonesia, and offered prayers and paid tribute to the centuries-old cultural and civilizational ties between India and Indonesia. What the prime minister's tour of Indonesia and what he saw there (or at least what is known about the history of Indonesia and India) is a key part of his tour and is an indicator of the special ties in the history of India and Indonesia.
Prambanan Temple is one of the largest Hindu temples in Indonesia and one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful. Relatively, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also, there are temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Brahma, reflecting the rich traditions of Hinduism in the region.
A Symbolic Heritage
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi prayed at the temple and marveled at its elaborate stone carvings, towering spires, and grand architecture. The presence of India and Indonesia and the cultural ties that bind India and Indonesia, no matter how far away they are from each other in distance, really made it worth visiting the temple.
India and Indonesia have been connected for centuries in trade, maritime linkages, religion, language, and culture. Hindu and Buddhist influences from the Indian subcontinent were a major part of the cultural heritage of the Indonesian archipelago, and remain visible in its temples, traditions, and classical arts.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Prambanan, built in the 9th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best examples of Hindu temple architecture in the world. The complex sees millions of visitors annually and is a symbol of Indonesia's rich cultural heritage.
The temple is renowned for having detailed relief panels showing episodes from the Ramayana and also other Hindu epic dramas. Every year, it also hosts the world-famous Ramayana Ballet, and it is here that Indonesia's unique interpretation of the ancient Indian epic is brought to life through dance and music.
Strengthening India-Indonesia Relations
The visit of Prime Minister Modi to Prambanan is also indicative of India’s continued focus on strengthening ties with Indonesia as per the Act East Policy and, more generally, Indo-Pacific engagement as part of India's push for relations with Indonesia.
Besides cultural diplomacy, India and Indonesia continue to cooperate closely in other areas, such as:
Trade and investment
Maritime security
Defence collaboration
Digital economy
Renewable energy
Tourism and education
The leaders of both countries have frequently stressed that strategic cooperation should not only be promoted but also preserved.
PM Modi prays at Prambanan Temple, Indonesia pic.twitter.com/S6XRZrbJUx
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 8, 2026
Cultural Diplomacy at the Forefront
The Prambanan Temple visit also showed a growing interest in cultural diplomacy in India’s foreign policy. In paying homage at one of the world’s most significant Hindu monuments, Prime Minister Modi underlined the fact that traditional and civilizational ties are still a crucial foundation for our bilateral relationship.
This temple visit resonated with people in both countries, so that they could respect the same traditions and celebrate Indonesia’s strong multicultural heritage.
As India and Indonesia are forging closer ties in several sectors, the cultural exchanges between the two countries and their people continue to be one of the key bridges for the two nations.
