The Deputy Minister of Tourism is encouraging the Prambanan Shiva Festival to become a magnet for global spiritual tourism.
Indonesian Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa expressed her appreciation for the 2026 Prambanan Shiva Festival, which included Shivaratri and Mahashivaratri worship at Prambanan Temple. This event marks the transformation of Prambanan Temple into a world-class spiritual tourism destination.
"This festival is not only a religious celebration, but also a strategic opportunity to provide meaningful and quality tourism experiences," said Ni Luh Puspa, Monday (February 16, 2026).
Indonesian Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa hopes the Prambanan Shiva Festival can continue to develop as an annual national spiritual event. The festival is believed to strengthen Indonesia's position, and Prambanan Temple in particular, as a world-class cultural and spiritual tourism destination.
Symbol of Harmony and Quality Tourism
The highlight of the Mahashivaratri event marks the end of the series of festivals that began on January 17, 2026. One of the most iconic moments is the lighting of 1.008 dipas or lamps simultaneously, accompanied by the echoes of damaru music and a stunning video mapping attraction.
Ni Luh explained that the current global trend is strongly toward spiritual tourism and pilgrimage tourism . With UNESCO World Heritage status since 1991, Prambanan has significant market potential, especially considering the 12 percent increase in the number of Hindus worldwide in the past decade.
"We hope that events like the Prambanan Shiva Festival will bring Prambanan Temple to life, not just as a monument, but as a living monument whose sacredness we all protect together," he added.
Milestones of Cultural Tourism
InJourney Destination Management (IDM) called this event a new milestone in Indonesian history. The event began with a five-kilometer cultural procession, carrying holy water from 36 provinces and unfurling a 1.000-meter-long Indonesian flag.
IDM Director, Febrina Intan, emphasized that this festival is a space where inclusivity meets sacredness.
"We want to show that spirituality does not have to separate, but rather unite," explained Febrina Intan.
International Appreciation and National Spirit
The majesty of Prambanan also captivated the Indian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty. He called Prambanan the finest Shiva temple he had ever seen and committed to encouraging Indian tourists to consider Yogyakarta as their primary destination, alongside Bali.
Echoing this sentiment, Wisnu Bawa Tenaya, Chairman of the Indonesian Cultural Institute (PHDI), sees the festival as a way to build a holistic Indonesian people. Through cross-ministerial collaboration, Prambanan has now been officially recognized as a cultural heritage site that unites spirituality, culture, and tourism within a single national spirit.
