Inaugurating Temporary Location of Borobudur Traders, Thousands of Traders Feel Treated Humanely

The Acting Regent of Magelang, Sepyo Achanto, together with the Head of the Magelang Regency District Attorney's Office, Zein Yusri Munggaran, and the Director of Operations and Services of PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko ("InJourney Destination Management"), Mardijono Nugroho, inaugurated and directly inspected the temporary location of thousands of Borobudur traders in Zone II of Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday (30/5/2024). This inauguration was marked by a flower garland cutting procession by the Acting Regent of Magelang, who was accompanied by the Head of the Magelang Regency District Attorney's Office and the Director of Operations and Services of InJourney Destination Management, witnessed by thousands of traders.

After the inauguration, all officials present visited the temporary kiosks of Borobudur traders one by one. They were greeted with the jaranan dance, which marked the collaboration to advance MSME actors in the Borobudur Temple Area. The Acting Regent of Magelang expressed his appreciation for the successful collaboration program carried out by various parties in the Borobudur Temple trader arrangement program this time. He hopes that this successful example can inspire and support quality tourism in the Borobudur Super Priority Tourism Destination (DPSP).

"I appreciate the management's steps in paying attention to the aspirations of the merchant partners, so that a location was chosen that was in accordance with the flow of visits. In addition, the temporary merchant kiosks also look clean, neat, and attractive. This provides comfort and invites tourists to visit," explained Sepyo Achanto.

The Acting Regent of Magelang also invited all UMKM actors in the Borobudur area to provide comfort and excellent service to tourists. Maintaining cleanliness, order, and security of visitors are the main steps to provide a memorable experience for tourists. It is hoped that this relocation will have a positive impact on improving the economy of residents in the Borobudur area.

On the same occasion, the Head of the Magelang District Attorney's Office, Zein Yusri Munggaran, reminded all collaborating parties to maintain communication and consultation in order to avoid risks that could disrupt the smooth running, especially related to legal aspects.

"We are committed to overseeing and assisting the realization of Kujon Market. We collaborated with various parties, both the Regional Government, TWC and traders to successfully carry out this relocation, without any turmoil. This means that this is the result of a joint decision. This is done to improve the welfare of the surrounding community and create a valuable and very good impression for tourists," he explained.

"Collaboration to support each other in order to optimize the tasks, functions and authorities of each party, while still upholding the applicable regulations, continues to be expanded in order to realize the welfare of the community, especially Borobudur Temple traders," he explained.

InJourney Destination Management provides thousands of kiosks for traders with semi-permanent buildings that are decent and neatly arranged. This temporary relocation land is located north of the former elephant enclosure area to the field area around post 6 which is behind the Borobudur Museum. InJourney Destination Management ensures that the temporary relocation location of traders is in accordance with the flow of tourist visits, so that traders can still serve tourists comfortably.

InJourney Destination Management's Director of Operations and Services, Mardijono Nugroho, added that there are thousands of merchant stalls in this temporary relocation area. The stalls are filled by MSMEs who sell various products, ranging from clothing, food and drinks, souvenirs, and others. The location and number of stalls are determined through intensive collaboration with Borobudur's merchant partners.

"As a manager, we accommodate the needs of traders by providing a suitable location and adequate kiosk infrastructure. This is our commitment to embrace all parties and collaborate to improve quality tourism in DPSP Borobudur," he explained.

InJourney Destination Management ensures that the relocation process will not degrade the quality of tourism at the Borobudur Tourist Attraction (TWC) by maintaining a conducive and comfortable environment. It is hoped that this new arrangement will increase visitor appeal not only to Zone 2 of Borobudur but also positively impact the welfare of vendors.

Chairman of the Borobudur Temple Traders Association, Jimi Belinda, representing thousands of traders, also expressed his joy that the arrangement process was going very conducively, traders also felt that the man (humanized). Not to mention the income that has increased at least 2-fold since being in this temporary location.

"We deliberated and agreed on a common ground. We have been selling at this temporary location for 17 days since May 15, 2024, and have begun to feel an increase in the economy, as indicated by an increase in income. We are also serious about improving our services, in order to increase visitor satisfaction and increase their interest in buying our merchandise," said Jimmy.

"The purpose of arranging these traders is not only for the development needs of the Borobudur Temple Area, but also to improve the economy as a whole, especially for those of us who have been trading for a long time," he concluded.