The Peak of the Vesak Celebration at Borobudur Temple

RRI.CO.ID, Magelang - The Indonesia's Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, accompanied Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to attend the peak celebration of Vesak Day 2570 Buddhist Era, held at the Borobudur Temple complex in Magelang, Central Java, on Sunday, May 31, 2026. She extended her Vesak greetings to all Buddhists in Indonesia.

According to her, this year's Vesak commemoration, with the theme "Dharma as a Source of Morals and Wisdom," is an important momentum to strengthen virtuous values relevant to national and state life. "Diversity and tolerance are Indonesia's identity and true strength," Minister Widiyanti said.

The Minister of Tourism invited the entire community to use the Vesak commemoration as a moment for self-reflection, strengthening brotherhood, and preserving nature for the sake of a peaceful and harmonious life. "Let us use this Vesak moment for self-reflection, strengthening brotherhood, and preserving nature for the sake of shared peace," Widiyanti said.

The culmination of the Vesak celebration is the most sacred religious ritual for Buddhists and the largest celebration of the year. Besides its profound spiritual significance, this celebration is also accessible to the general public and tourists, making it a major attraction attracting both domestic and international visitors each year.

The 2026 Vesak celebrations took place throughout May and began with community service activities held simultaneously throughout the Heroes' Cemetery as a form of respect and gratitude to the heroes who fought for Indonesia's independence. Various spiritual activities, environmental awareness campaigns, social activities, and the release of peace lanterns also highlighted this year's celebrations.

The lantern release is one of the most anticipated moments, not only for Buddhists but also for tourists. Thousands of lanterns soaring into the sky against the backdrop of the majestic Borobudur Temple creates a memorable and meaningful experience.

This year, 2,570 lanterns were released, in keeping with the 2570th Vesak commemoration. The release of lanterns symbolizes the illumination of life, the release of negative energy, the delivery of prayers, and good hopes for the creation of a peaceful and wise life.