InJourney Promotes Prambanan Temple Conservation and Encourages Indonesia-India Collaboration for World-Class Cultural Tourism

PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero) or InJourney welcomes the collaboration between the Indonesian and Indian governments on the Prambanan Temple conservation and restoration program, a significant milestone in strengthening cultural diplomacy and preserving world heritage. Prambanan Temple is a tangible testament to the strong friendship between Indonesia and India. Two world leaders, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visited the temple on Wednesday (July 8).

During the visit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that Prambanan Temple is a place that showcases the shared cultural heritage of both India and Indonesia. "This nation's cultural heritage reminds us of the fragrance of our own cultural heritage in India. And it is this cultural heritage that unites our two countries. For over 1.200 years, the people of this country have preserved this cultural heritage with commitment, perseverance, and devotion," Modi explained.

The visit of the two heads of state to Prambanan Temple marked a historic milestone in the relationship between Indonesia and India. This visit signaled both countries' commitment to preserving the world's cultural heritage, designed as a long-term conservation program.

Conservation is being carried out through the restoration of 224 perwara (companion temples) within the courtyard of the Prambanan Temple complex. This conservation is being conducted through a scientific approach, including archaeological research, digital documentation, artificial intelligence (AI)-based reconstruction, and knowledge exchange and conservation capacity building between the two countries.

InJourney, as a state-owned holding company in the aviation and tourism sector and the parent company of Prambanan Temple management, InJourney Destination Management (IDM), views this collaboration as being in line with the company's mission to develop world-class destinations through cultural preservation, strengthening international collaboration, and creating sustainable economic and social benefits.

This collaboration not only preserves one of the world's most valuable cultural heritage sites, but also symbolizes the close, centuries-long friendship between Indonesia and India. This relationship is evident in Prambanan Temple, the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and one of the world's greatest masterpieces of Hindu-Siva architecture. Built in the 9th century during the Ancient Mataram Kingdom, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.

InJourney's CEO, Maya Watono, said that this collaboration demonstrates how cultural heritage can be an effective medium for strengthening international relations while creating broader benefits for Indonesia's tourism sector.

"This momentum is part of an effort to strengthen Indonesia's nation branding as a world-class cultural destination capable of sustainably managing its cultural heritage through international partnerships. We are optimistic and welcome this collaboration, which will increase Indonesia's attractiveness, particularly in the Indian market, which has a population of 1,4 billion, while also encouraging the growth of quality inbound tourism. Ultimately, preserving cultural heritage must provide tangible benefits to the community through job creation, the growth of MSMEs and the creative economy, and improving the welfare of communities around the destination," Maya explained.

The Head of the Museum and Cultural Heritage (MCB), Esti Nurjadin, as the owner of the Prambanan Temple Complex assets, emphasized that the conservation collaboration between Indonesia and India will be carried out while maintaining the values ​​that make Prambanan a UNESCO World Heritage Site. "All work will prioritize authenticity, integrity, and a scientific approach. Furthermore, the success of this collaboration will be measured not only by the number of preserved objects but also by the increased capacity of Indonesian conservators, the development of science-based conservation practices, and the preservation of Prambanan's world heritage value," Esti said.

In line with this, InJourney Destination Management President Director Febrina Intan said that since being designated as the center of worship for Hindus in Indonesia and the world in 2022, this area is not only seen as a tourist attraction or archaeological site, but also as a space for cultural diplomacy, spirituality, education, and international cooperation that brings together various countries in the spirit of preserving world heritage.

India is a potential market for Indonesian tourism. Data on international tourist visits to the Prambanan Temple area shows an average of nearly 4.000 Indian tourists annually. This demonstrates the potential for growth in this market through enhanced promotion and bilateral cooperation.

"The Indian Prime Minister's visit is expected to be a catalyst for increased interest from Indian tourists in Indonesia, particularly Prambanan Temple. We hope that the accelerated restoration of the Prambanan area will further strengthen this destination's global appeal, especially for Indian tourists who have historical and cultural ties to the area," he explained.

As a national tourism icon, Prambanan Temple attracts around 2,4 million domestic and international tourists annually, making it one of Indonesia's most sought-after heritage destinations. This high level of interest demonstrates that Prambanan is not only a cultural asset but also a strategic asset in strengthening Indonesia's global competitiveness. This collaboration is expected to promote quality tourism, extend tourist lengths of stay, and expand cooperation in the tourism, culture, and creative economy sectors.