Cultural Diplomacy from Prambanan at Asia-Europe Cultural Diplomacy Lab 2025 

Prambanan Temple became one of the visiting points for participants of the Asia-Europe Cultural Diplomacy Lab 2025 (ASEF LinkUp) on Friday (20/6/2025). This event was organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Indonesian Ministry of Culture, with support from various institutions, including the Yogyakarta Palace, the Yogyakarta Special Region Government, the X Region Cultural Preservation Center and InJourney Destination Management. 

Participants who are artists from 10 countries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Poland, Singapore, and Switzerland, share experiences and insights related to cross-border cooperation and cultural diplomacy. They will discuss how art and culture can be a tool to strengthen relations between countries and promote better understanding between peoples.

In their first visit, ASEF LinkUp participants from various countries in Asia and Europe visited the UNESCO World Heritage site Prambanan Temple Compounds. The group was greeted by GM Prambanan and Ratu Boko Ratno Timur before touring the site accompanied by a tour guide that had been provided.

Participants appeared impressed and enthusiastic as they listened to the guide 's explanation . During this visit, the delegates had the opportunity to learn about the history and architectural beauty of Prambanan Temple, as well as to understand its cultural values. They also visited each room of the Shiva Temple in Prambanan and explored its rich history and important values.

After touring Prambanan Temple and Sewu Temple, participants also attended a Cultural Management Discussion with two speakers, namely the Senior Cultural Advisor of the Regional X Cultural Preservation Center, Asmara Dewi, who shared her knowledge about the preservation of Prambanan Temple which is still ongoing until now.

Meanwhile, InJourney Destination Management Commercial Director Hetty Herawati related to the material entitled Leaving a Legacy, Living the Art regarding tourism management at world heritage sites based on conservation, spirituality, and sustainability.

"IDM is not only a heritage, but we also talk about art and culture with local values. Our job is to manage destinations by preserving and forming local values ​​in modern presentation. A balance between preservation and tourism. Where cultural assets need to provide economic and social benefits to the surrounding community," explained Hetty Herawati.

ASEF LinkUp 2025 participants will be involved in various activities, including panel discussions, workshops, and visits to cultural and art sites in Yogyakarta. They will also have the opportunity to share their experiences and insights on cultural diplomacy and cross-border cooperation.

Thus, ASEF LinkUp 2025 is expected to be a very beneficial event for participants and can strengthen relations between countries through arts and culture. With the diversity of participants and activities held, ASEF LinkUp 2025 can be an effective platform to promote cultural diplomacy and strengthen relations between countries.