RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Culture Fadli Zon is promoting site preservation to reinforce Borobudur’s status as a living cultural heritage.

“The reliefs on Borobudur Temple are numerous. This aligns with our aspiration to make Borobudur a living heritage, which must be realized with the support of Buddhist organizations and the wider community,” Minister Fadli Zon said in an official statement on Sunday, May 3, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

During his working visit to Magelang Regency, Central Java, the minister discussed extensively with Bhante Pannavaro about Buddhist teachings and symbols found at sacred sites, including the importance of the Chattra for Buddhists as a form of respect, protection, and supreme practice.

He also inspected preparations at Mendut Temple for the upcoming Vesak holiday, which will take place on May 31, 2026. Accompanied by Bhante Pannavaro Mahathera, the visit was intended to strengthen togetherness and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to preserving cultural and spiritual heritage.

Minister Fadli noted that Vihara Mendut, located within the same complex as Mendut Temple, will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.

“This temple was built in 1976, and in 2026 it will be exactly 50 years old. I appreciate the role of Bhante Pannavaro, who has led the congregation from the beginning, overseeing its development and upholding its noble values,” he said.

He emphasized that Vesak is not only a major Buddhist holiday but also an important cultural event and part of the nation’s civilizational journey.

“Vesak is a time for reflection on the Dharma teachings that guide us toward wisdom and compassion. These teachings strengthen tolerance, unity, and peace in a pluralistic society,” he added.

The Ministry of Culture reaffirmed its commitment to protecting, developing, utilizing, and fostering culture as an integral aspect of preserving living heritage that benefits the community.

Separately, the Central Java Provincial Administration, together with the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, is working to strengthen the position of Borobudur Temple and three other temples as world religious centers.

Deputy Governor of Central Java, Taj Yasin Maimoen, stated last April that the renewal of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the use of Borobudur, Prambanan, Mendut, and Pawon Temples is being finalized.

The step aims to reinforce the four temples' position as centers of worship for Hindus and Buddhists worldwide while driving sustainable tourism.

“We are pushing for the extension of this MoU. We are also discussing ways to advance tourism at these four temples,” he said during a visit from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs’ Coordination Team.

He added that other temples in Central Java, such as those in Tawangmangu (Karanganyar) and Wonosobo, should be integrated into a single tourism promotion package to strengthen the province’s international narrative.

The reopening of Jenderal Ahmad Yani International Airport in Semarang for international routes, including direct flights from Singapore and Malaysia, is expected to boost access for religious tourists.

Officials also noted strong interest from Thailand, where parents encourage younger generations to undertake spiritual journeys to Borobudur.

Assistant Deputy for Tourism Development at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Herfan Brilianto Mursabdo, welcomed Central Java’s proactive steps.

“The global market for Hindu‑Buddhist religious tourism and pilgrimage is very large. Our focus going forward is to ensure Borobudur and its surrounding temples deliver tangible benefits for the local economy,” he said. ***