theIndonesian – The government will prepare a special authority to organize and manage Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java as a world-class spiritual tourism destination for Buddhists.
The authority will be established under PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko. The manager of the three temples in Central Java and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) is part of the aviation and tourism holding company PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero) or InJourney.
InJourney Tourism Marketing and Promotion Director Maya Watono said the formation of a special authority for Borobudur Temple involves related ministries and institutions.
In this case, the ministries that will be involved include the Ministry of SOEs, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf), the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag), and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek).
“There is [the involvement of] Kemendikbudristek, of course, from the aspect of maintaining Borobudur Temple as a cultural heritage that has been recognized by the world, by UNESCO [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization]. It has been organized, so if you go to Borobudur Temple everything is ready after the Perpres [presidential regulation] is signed,” he said when met after the release of Bhikku Thudong Waisak 2568 BE at TMII, East Jakarta, Tuesday (5/14).
According to Maya, the Presidential Regulation that will regulate the special authority of Borobudur Temple can be issued in the near future. The regulation is known to be still in the finalization stage at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenko Marves).
“The progress of the Perpres is currently in the final stage, a little more, we hope that in one month, the Perpres for single authority management can be completed,” she said.
On the same occasion, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno said that so far the management of Borobudur Temple was partial from each ministry. The existence of a special authority is expected to eliminate sectoral egos in the arrangement and management of the world’s largest Buddhist temple.
“Before being handled in President Jokowi’s administration there were several ministries involved, thanks to the breakthrough of DPSP [Superpriority Tourism Destinations] it became clear, who was doing what and not overlapping,” Sandi said.
The former Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta said a number of ministries and institutions had signed a memorandum of understanding in the management of Borobudur Temple, including in welcoming the 2528 BE Vesak celebration this year.
“This has been organized and will be ready after the presidential regulation is signed, we can follow up, including the installation of Catra so that Buddhists, also prepared a place of worship that can be used throughout the day,” Sandi said.
In addition, as part of the arrangement of Borobudur Temple, the government is seeking the opening of direct flights from Yogyakarta International Airport in Kulon Progo to a number of countries in Asia. Thus, the number of Buddhists visiting is expected to increase.
“Encourage more direct flights from Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Then also from several destinations in China. Because this brings many prospective tourists from Buddhists to Borobudur Temple,” he said.
The Indonesian
