CM Saini: ASI to aid Prambanan temple conservation
Synopsis
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini has welcomed ASI's move to share conservation expertise for Indonesia's 9th-century UNESCO-listed Prambanan temple, framing it as a milestone in India-Indonesia cultural diplomacy under PM Modi's Act East vision.
Key Takeaways
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini announced on 8 July 2026 that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will share conservation expertise for Indonesia 's Prambanan temple .
Prambanan is a 9th-century Hindu temple complex in Central Java, Indonesia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated primarily to Shiva .
The announcement coincides with PM Narendra Modi 's visit to Indonesia , referenced by the hashtag #PMModiInIndonesia .
India 's Act East Policy (launched 2014 ) and a 2018 bilateral agreement form the policy foundation for this cultural cooperation.
The ASI , established in 1861 , is India's apex body for archaeological research and monument conservation.
A formal MoU or project timeline between ASI and Indonesian authorities is yet to be confirmed.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, welcomed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)'s decision to share its conservation expertise for the Prambanan temple complex in Indonesia, calling it a significant step toward deepening cultural ties between the two nations.
Context
In his post, CM Saini stated that the ASI will now contribute its specialised knowledge to the preservation and promotion of the Prambanan temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Central Java, Indonesia. He described this as an important initiative to further strengthen India and Indonesia's cultural relationship. The post was made under the hashtag #PMModiInIndonesia, indicating the announcement coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Indonesia.
Saini quoted the chant 'Om Namah Shivaya' resonating at Prambanan, calling it not merely a mantra but 'the divine proclamation of the eternal consciousness of Sanatan culture, spiritual heritage, and the message of universal well-being.'
Policy Backdrop
The Prambanan temple complex, a 9th-century Hindu monument dedicated primarily to Shiva, stands as one of the most prominent symbols of ancient Indian civilisational influence in Southeast Asia. India's Act East Policy, launched in 2014, has systematically sought to deepen engagement with ASEAN nations by leveraging these shared cultural and civilisational roots.
During PM Modi's 2018 visit to Indonesia, both governments agreed to expand cooperation in heritage preservation and cultural exchanges. The proposed ASI involvement at Prambanan represents a continuation of that bilateral commitment, extending India's soft-power outreach through its apex archaeological body.
Stakeholders and Impact
CM Saini credited PM Modi's 'visionary leadership' for enabling India to secure 'new recognition and respect for Sanatan cultural heritage at the global level.' The ASI, established in 1861, has extensive experience in conserving ancient stone monuments and is considered one of Asia's foremost heritage conservation bodies.
Heritage conservationists and cultural ministries in both countries stand to benefit from this partnership. For Indonesia, access to ASI's technical expertise could support long-term structural and aesthetic preservation of Prambanan. For India, the collaboration reinforces its identity as a custodian of shared civilisational legacy across the Indo-Pacific.
What's Next
The formalisation of any memorandum of understanding or specific project timelines between the ASI and Indonesian authorities during or following PM Modi's ongoing visit will be closely watched. A structured agreement would mark a concrete institutional step beyond diplomatic statements.
If implemented, the ASI-Prambanan collaboration could serve as a model for similar engagements with other Hindu-Buddhist heritage sites across Southeast Asia, further embedding cultural diplomacy as a pillar of India's Act East strategy.
Point of View
Made during what appears to be PM Modi's active visit to Indonesia, signals that India is translating long-standing civilisational rhetoric into institutional action by deploying the ASI as a cultural-diplomacy tool. Extending ASI's mandate to a foreign UNESCO site is a calibrated soft-power move that simultaneously elevates India's global heritage profile and deepens ASEAN bilateral ties under the Act East framework. For the BJP, the Prambanan moment also carries domestic resonance — invoking Sanatan identity on an international stage reinforces a consistent civilisational narrative. The real test will be whether a formal MoU with defined timelines materialises, converting political symbolism into sustained conservation work.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ASI's role at the Prambanan temple in Indonesia?
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to share its conservation and heritage management expertise to aid the preservation and promotion of the Prambanan temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Central Java, Indonesia.
What is the Prambanan temple and why is it significant?
Prambanan is a 9th-century Hindu temple complex in Central Java, Indonesia, dedicated primarily to Shiva. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most prominent examples of ancient Indian civilisational influence in Southeast Asia.
What did Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini say about the Prambanan temple?
CM Saini said ASI will share its expertise for Prambanan's conservation, calling it an important initiative to strengthen India-Indonesia cultural relations. He also invoked the chant 'Om Namah Shivaya' at Prambanan as a symbol of Sanatan heritage and universal well-being.
How does this relate to India's Act East Policy?
India's Act East Policy, launched in 2014, seeks to deepen engagement with ASEAN nations through cultural and civilisational ties. The ASI's involvement at Prambanan aligns with this framework, extending India's soft-power outreach to shared Hindu-Buddhist heritage sites in Southeast Asia.
Has India cooperated with Indonesia on heritage conservation before?
Yes. During PM Modi's 2018 visit to Indonesia, both governments agreed to expand cooperation in heritage preservation and cultural exchanges. The Prambanan initiative builds on that bilateral commitment.
