Indonesia and India Boost Cooperation on Cultural Heritage

RRI.CO.ID, Bhopal - Indonesia and India have agreed to strengthen bilateral cultural cooperation, particularly in heritage preservation, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties. The agreement was discussed during a bilateral meeting between Indonesian Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon and Indian Minister of Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on the sidelines of the 11th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Based on the release received by RRI Voice of Indonesia Sunday, August 9, 2026 in Jakarta Fadli Zon, said relations between Indonesia and India have continued to grow stronger, as reflected in visits by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to India and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Indonesia, including a visit to Prambanan Temple. He said culture has become an important pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

One of the key issues discussed was the follow-up to a joint project to restore 100 Perwara Temples at the Prambanan Temple Compound. Indonesia and India will each restore 50 temples, with the project targeted for completion before 2029.

Fadli said the restoration project represents a concrete expression of the two countries’ partnership in safeguarding cultural heritage. "The cooperation would also facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise in heritage conservation between Indonesia and India," he said.

In addition, the two ministers also discussed the Pucangan Inscription, also known as the Calcutta Stone, which is currently housed at the Indian Museum in Kolkata. Indonesia hopes continued dialogue will enhance academic cooperation and create opportunities to pursue the return of the historic inscription to Indonesia.

Indonesia and India also agreed to foster the implementation of the Cultural Exchange Programme for 2025–2028 through artist residencies, museum fellowships, archaeological field schools, joint research, film co-productions, and digital heritage initiatives. The program is expected to expand cultural exchanges while strengthening ties between the people of both countries.

The meeting also discussed the Tagore–Dewantara Year 2026–2027, marking the centenary of Indian poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore’s visit to Indonesia. The initiative is expected to promote cooperation in culture, education, literature, academia, and youth exchanges.

Indian Minister of Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, said the long-standing historical ties between Indonesia and India provide a strong foundation for expanded cooperation, including technology-based manuscript conservation and maritime heritage. Fadli Zon reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening the cultural partnership through the implementation of bilateral agreements and joint contributions to global cultural cooperation.