RRI.CO.ID, Magelang - Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture held a spiritual culture forum in the Borobudur area of Central Java, as part of efforts to preserve the UNESCO-listed temple complex through a living heritage approach. The event brought together village heads and cultural practitioners from 20 villages surrounding Borobudur.

Based on release received by RRI Voice Of Indonesia, Tuesday 5 May 2026, Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, said Borobudur should not only be preserved as a historic monument, but also developed as a living cultural heritage that continues to benefit local communities. “We encourage cultural sites, especially world heritage sites such as Borobudur Temple, to become living heritage so that their sustainability can continue,” he said.

He also outlined plans to install a chattra, a ceremonial element at the top of Borobudur, to complete its function as a place of worship for Buddhists. Fadli said the proposal had been discussed with UNESCO Director-General candidate Khaled El-Enany and had received understanding and support.

The forum addressed a range of topics, including spiritual traditions in Borobudur, local heritage crafts, ceremonial food traditions, and the relevance of nearby village culture to the temple’s stone reliefs. Participants also discussed ways to preserve traditional houses, arts, and customs from fading over time.

Officials said the gathering was intended to strengthen cooperation between the central government, local authorities, and community groups. Discussions also focused on involving artists and cultural actors as active drivers of Indonesia’s cultural advancement.

Education was another major theme, with participants examining how cultural values can be integrated into schools and community learning. The role of cultural guides in maintaining the spiritual identity of the Borobudur area was also highlighted.

In addition, Fadli said the ministry hopes the forum will help community initiatives grow at the grassroots level across the 20 villages around Borobudur. “Through this cultural communication space, we hope the spirit of local communities can continue to grow and move forward,” he said.

Finally, the minister urged younger generations to use social media to promote local culture in the digital era. He said culture can become an economic driver rooted in national values, while the government stands ready to support broader promotion efforts.