RRI.CO.ID, Sleman - Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Puspa, attended the opening of the Prambanan Shiva Festival at the Prambanan Temple complex in Sleman, Saturday, 17 January 2026. She explained that the festival was held to welcome the holy day of Shiwaratri, which is celebrated by Hindus

The festival was also to welcome the series of events that would culminate in the Mahashivaratri ceremony on 15 February 2026. This inaugural Prambanan Shiva Festival marks a significant milestone in the transformation of Prambanan Temple, from a mere world cultural heritage site into a vibrant spiritual space open to devotees and tourists from all corners of the globe.

On the day of Shivaratri, Hindus perform a worship ceremony to Lord Shiva, which is understood as a moment of deep reflection, self-introspection, and a plea for forgiveness. According to the Vice Minister, the celebration is an important opportunity to reaffirm the role of Prambanan Temple not only as a world cultural heritage but also as a center of worship for Hindus in Indonesia.

"From a tourism perspective, we hope this activity can increase visits from both foreign and domestic tourists to Prambanan Temple," Ni Luh stated.

She also affirmed that Shivaratri is not merely a ceremonial celebration, but a space for contemplation to strengthen self-determination, purify the mind, and practice self-control thru asceticism. Furthermore, this ceremony can serve as a foundation for realizing character-based tourism that brings deeper spiritual and cultural values into the tourism experience.

"Spirituality-based tourism not only focuses on the physical exploration of destinations, but also on self-reflection, inner balance, and harmonious relationships with the local environment and culture," Ni Luh said.

Ni Luh also believes that the Shiwaratri celebration at Prambanan Temple represents the strength of Indonesian tourism in the eyes of the world, which relies not only on natural beauty but also on the richness of living, cared for, understood, and respected cultural heritage.