Culture Minister Inaugurates Restored Plaosan Temple in Central Java

KBRN, Jakarta: The Ministry of Culture has officially inaugurated Series II No. 19, one of the accompanying temples at the Plaosan Temple Site in Central Java. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon described Plaosan Temple as a prime example of a complete cultural landscape.

The inauguration followed the completion of restoration work by the Cultural Preservation Center (BPK) X on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

Minister Fadli Zon stated that the restoration of the accompanying temple is part of broader efforts to preserve Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

“This is an extraordinary achievement, especially considering that the temple was built in the 9th century. The process may have begun in the 8th century, making it a symbol of harmony, tolerance, and the progress of Indonesian civilization at the time,” he said in a press release received by RRI on Friday, October 24, 2025.

He noted that preservation efforts have been ongoing since the Dutch colonial era and continued after independence. The restoration, led by the Cultural Preservation Center Region X, involved a team of experts to ensure the authenticity of the temple’s structure, materials, and techniques.

The restored temple measures 4.89 meters by 4.89 meters and stands 7.26 meters tall, comprising 36 layers. The restoration was funded by the 2024 and 2025 State Budgets, totaling IDR 1.475 billion.

In addition to the temple’s inauguration, the event also marked the launch of the first phase of landscape development at the Plaosan Temple Site, aimed at improving accessibility and visitor comfort.

The development embraces the concept of “Harmony in Diversity,” reflecting the temple’s rich historical, religious, and artistic significance.

Restu Gunawan, Director General of Cultural and Tradition Protection, stated that the restoration took 11 months to complete. He emphasized that the project also serves as a platform for empowering the local community.

“This restoration is not only about preserving the physical structure, but also about engaging the surrounding community so they can actively participate in safeguarding cultural heritage,” he said.

The successful restoration marks the 27th project completed by the BPK X in the Plaosan Lor Temple area. The inauguration also included the ceremonial laying of the first stone for further development of the Plaosan Temple Site by Minister Fadli Zon.

He stressed that cultural preservation goes beyond restoring buildings. It involves safeguarding the values and philosophies they represent. He also highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in cultural preservation, echoing the spirit of harmony embodied by Plaosan Temple.

“Cultural advancement always requires collaboration between government, academics, local communities, and the younger generation. This inauguration is a vital moment to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving our nation’s historical legacy,” he said.

Plaosan Temple is a temple complex located in Prambanan Subdistrict, Klaten Regency, Central Java. Situated about one kilometer northeast of Sewu Temple (also known as Prambanan Temple), Plaosan was built in the 9th century AD by King Rakai Pikatan as a love offering to his wife, Pramodhawardhani.

The temple stands as a symbol of harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism during the Ancient Mataram Kingdom. (Misni Parjiati/Ed. Lasti Martina)