International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde Admires Borobudur Temple

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde visited Borobudur Temple Tourism Park on Thursday, March 01, 2018. She was accompanied by Ricky SP Siahaan, Marketing and Service Director of PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko (Persero).

Mura Aristina from the Borobudur Conservation Center who guided Christine Lagarde said that during her visit Christine Lagarde stopped five times and saw the beautiful scenery outside.
"He was very interested in the biography of Buddha. He came here not only to meet many people but also to tour. We added a bit of humor to keep the tour from being monotonous, which led to him laughing and so on, adding to the beautiful atmosphere," Mura said.

“I also told how this temple was built with diversity, not all of those who built it were Hindu and Buddhist. There is a story that in the past when the Borobudur temple was built, there were those who worshiped the sun, moon, mountains and so on. This is, that Indonesia's tolerance has existed since ancient times. Even 1.200 years ago when the Borobudur Temple was built. So the king did not mind what their religion was. What was important was that they were willing to cooperate, they were given food, clothing and shelter. So Borobudur was built with prosperity and peace. I also explained about the stone locking and waterproofing techniques. " added Mura.

During the visit, Christine Lagarde also asked to be photographed in a quiet condition. Lagarde's arrival in Indonesia was in order to attend several important agendas. Lagarde's arrival also included reviewing Indonesia's preparations as the host of the IMF-World Bank Annual Meeting in October 2018.

Meanwhile, Marketing and Service Director of PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko (Persero) Ricky SP Siahaan said, "It is the responsibility of all parties to preserve this temple, to protect this temple, and for everyone to know that the Indonesian nation's civilization is very high. Because in the 8th century they were able to build a monument that is extraordinary in this world. Therefore, all parties must be responsible for maintaining, protecting and also promoting it to the world, especially promoting the conservation preservation of this temple. This is so that our future generations can see that their ancestors were smart ancestors, they were able to build without sophisticated technological equipment. "