Indonesia to promote Prambanan Temple as religious tourism site

Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism aims to preserve Prambanan Temple as a living cultural heritage site by developing it as a religious tourism destination and hosting religious and cultural events, the ministry said.

"We want people to understand and appreciate, to ultimately participate in preserving the beautiful and majestic space of Prambanan Temple," Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa said at a press conference on Saturday.

The temple complex, in Sleman District, Yogyakarta, and Klaten, Central Java, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991, she said.

Built in the 9th century, it is Indonesia's largest Hindu temple complex and offers visitors a spiritual and educational space.

To keep Prambanan a living heritage site, the Prambanan Shiva Festival, themed "The Holy Month of Shiva for Spirituality, Peace, and Harmony," will run from January 6 to March 7, 2027.

Ni Luh said the culture-based activities are expected to attract visitors and encourage them to help preserve the heritage.

The festival will also promote Prambanan as a leading religious tourism destination in Yogyakarta.

The Global Wellness Economy Monitor 2025 found tourists are increasingly drawn to experiences that connect them with nature, culture and local communities.

Ni Luh said this highlights Indonesia's potential to develop religious tourism services that offer meaningful experiences.

She said stronger cooperation among service providers, destination managers, industry players and local communities can improve visitor experiences and attract more tourists.

Domestic tourist trips totaled 842.15 million from January to August, up 4.29 percent from a year earlier, government data showed.
Foreign tourist arrivals reached 10.58 million in the period, up 5.38 percent from 2025.

Ni Luh said growth in domestic and foreign tourism is expected to boost local economies and improve community welfare across Indonesia.

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Translator: Hreeloita Dharma, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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