Prambanan Temple

India–Indonesia Joint Restoration Project at Prambanan Temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited the Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, where a joint India–Indonesia conservation/restoration project was inaugurated for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

About Prambanan Temple

• Prambanan Temple, locally known as Roro Jonggrang or Loro Jonggrang, is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and one of the largest temple compounds in Southeast Asia.
• It is a magnificent example of classical Shaivite art, architecture and stone-building technology. The temple reflects the peak of Hindu cultural influence in Java and represents Indonesia’s deep civilisational connection with Indian culture.

Location

Prambanan Temple is located on the fertile volcanic plains of Java Island, Indonesia. It lies near Yogyakarta and straddles the provincial border between the Special Region of Yogyakarta and Central Java.

Architectural Features

• Prambanan is designed on a concentric square layout, symbolising different spiritual realms.
• The temple complex has three major zones:
  • Outer Zone: A large courtyard area that earlier contained auxiliary wooden structures.
  • Middle Zone:This zone originally had 224 small Perwara temples, arranged in four orderly rows around the main shrine area.
  • Inner Zone:This is the most sacred part of the temple complex. It stands on an elevated platform and contains 16 principal temples.

This project strengthens cultural diplomacy, promotes heritage conservation, and highlights India’s role in preserving ancient cultural sites outside India.