RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The ancient Prambanan Temple complex on the border of Sleman in Yogyakarta and Klaten in Central Java once again became a stage for cultural and spiritual celebration as the Prambanan Shiva Festival 2026 officially opened on Saturday evening, January 17, 2026, at the .

Inaugurating the event, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Enik Ermawati emphasized that the festival is designed to balance spiritual values with tangible benefits for local communities.

“Through the Prambanan Shiva Festival, we hope Prambanan Temple can embody harmony between spirituality and economic impact for the society,” the Deputy Minister said, as quoted by

From a spiritual perspective, she noted, the festival reaffirms Prambanan’s role as a sacred site for Hindu worship. At the same time, it is expected to boost domestic and international tourism.

“Prambanan is not only a cultural treasure but also a living heritage that strengthens Indonesia’s presence on the world stage,” she added.

Ni Luh underscored that tourism must be rooted in three pillars: people, planet, and prosperity. Tourism, she explained, should sustain social life, protect the environment, and generate economic benefits.

“With the Prambanan Shiva Festival, we hope to achieve not only deeper spiritual meaning but also positive impacts on people, nature, and the local economy,” she said.

Commercial Director of InJourney Destination Management (IDM), Gistang Richard Panutur, echoed this vision, stressing that the festival reflects harmony in managing Prambanan: between spirituality and tourism, sacred rituals and professional organization, cultural preservation and community empowerment.

“This balance creates tourism that is meaningful, high-quality, and beneficial. Prambanan must continue to be preserved both as a Hindu sacred site and as a tourism destination,” he said.

The festival features a series of cultural and spiritual programs, culminating in the Maha Shivaratri Celebration, which invites reflection on the sanctity of God Shiva as the source of supreme consciousness.

Chairman of the Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI), Wisnu Bawa Tenaya, explained that Siwaratri rituals include