RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta: Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa expressed her hope that the Prambanan Shiva Festival, held at the Prambanan Temple complex in the Special Region of Yogyakarta from January 17 to February 15, 2026, will be an important milestone in the transformation of Prambanan Temple into a vibrant spiritual space.

The Prambanan Shiva Festival, which was held for the first time, marked an important milestone in the transformation of Prambanan Temple, from a mere world cultural heritage site to a vibrant spiritual space open to worshippers and tourists from all over. The festival is held to celebrate the holy day of Shivaratri, whic is observed by Hindus.

She emphasized that Shiwaratri is not merely a ceremonial celebration, but rather a space for contemplation to strengthen one's resolve, cultivate inner peace, and practice self-control through asceticism. Furthermore, this ceremony can serve as a foundation for realizing characteristic tourism that brings deeper spiritual and cultural values into the travel experience.

"Spirituality-based tourism focuses not only on exploring the physical destination but also on self-reflection, inner balance, and fostering a harmonious relationship with the local environment and culture," she said in a ministry press release issued on Monday, January 19, 2026, in Jakarta, as quoted by official website of Tourism Ministry.

The festival begins with the Shivaratri celebration and concludes with the Mahashivaratri ceremony. During Shivaratri, Hindu devotees perform a ceremony to worship Lord Shiva. This ceremony includes moments of contemplation, introspection, self-control exercises, and requests for forgiveness.

Ni Luh said that the Shivaratri celebrations within the Prambanan Shiva Festival affirm Prambanan Temple's role as a world cultural heritage site and a center of worship for Hindus in Indonesia.

She added that the Shivaratri celebrations at Prambanan Temple also strengthen Indonesia's position as a tourist destination that relies not only on natural beauty, but also on a rich cultural heritage that is lived, cared for, understood, and respected.

"Prambanan Temple is a living heritage that we must protect together. We must preserve its sanctity as part of our national identity and pride," she said.

Wisnu Bawa Tenaya, the Chairman of the Indonesian Hindu Dharma Council (PHDI), said that the teachings of Shiva serve as the basis for the festival and align with the spirit of religious moderation.

"Shiva's teachings promote balance between creativity, feeling, and intention. This festival celebrates the awareness that unites humans, nature, and God in harmony," he said.

Thousands of Hindu devotees filled the Prambanan Temple area, solemnly participating in a series of prayers amidst the temple's grandeur and the sacred atmosphere that enveloped the area. The combination of religious rituals, cultural arts, and lighting created a profound spiritual experience while also showcasing the splendor of this inaugural festival.

The Prambanan Shiva Festival is considered to provide a space for dialogue on religion and culture, which plays a vital role in building social harmony. ***