
Highlighting that acceptance of diversity is the reason why people of different faiths live with harmony in both Indonesia and India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the relationship between the two countries is not just geo-political but is rooted in thousands of years of shared culture and history.
Modi was virtually addressing the Maha Kumbabhishegam of Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam in Jakarta, which was also attended by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto — who was in India recently as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations.
The prime minister, in his address, emphasised that the bond between the two nations is based on heritage, science, faith, shared beliefs, and spirituality, and added that this connection includes Lord Murugan, Lord Ram, and Lord Buddha.
“The relationship between India and Indonesia is not just geo-political but is rooted in thousands of years of shared culture and history,” the PM said. “When someone from India visits the Prambanan Temple in Indonesia, they experience the same spiritual feeling as in Kashi and Kedarnath.”
Highlighting that the new grand Murugan Temple in Jakarta has added a new golden chapter to the centuries-old heritage, Modi expressed confidence that this temple will become a new center for both faith and cultural values.
Modi said that the relationship between India and Indonesia is woven with many strong threads. Recalling Prabowo’s recent visit to India, he said they cherished many aspects of this shared heritage.
Noting that the Murugan Temple in Jakarta houses not only Lord Murugan but also various other deities, Modi said that diversity and plurality form the foundation of our culture. In Indonesia, this tradition of diversity is called “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika”, while in India, it is known as “Unity in Diversity”, he said. “Acceptance of diversity is the reason why people of different faiths live with such harmony in both Indonesia and India,” he said.
Built on a 4,000 sq m plot donated by the government, the temple is located in the city’s western part. Besides housing shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan and other deities, it also houses a museum showcasing the historical connection between the two cultures.
The cultural values, heritage, and legacy are enhancing people-to-people connections between India and Indonesia,” said Modi. He also highlighted the joint decision to preserve the Prambanan Temple and the shared commitment to the Borobudur Buddhist Temple.