Waisak Becomes Momentum to Trigger Economic Impact and Strengthen Borobudur Temple as a World Cultural and Spiritual Tourism Destination

Borobudur Temple is one of the centers of the peak celebration of the Tri Suci Waisak Day 2569 BE which falls on Monday, May 12, 2025. The moment to commemorate three great events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, namely birth, enlightenment, and parinibbana (death) at Borobudur Temple will be attended by thousands of Buddhists from various regions in Indonesia. This commemoration is a reflective momentum that invites people to strengthen the values of virtue, self-control, compassion and to contribute positively to the surrounding community, the environment and the world.

The commemoration of the Tri Suci Waisak Day 2569 BE/2025 carries the theme "Increase Self-Control and Wisdom to Realize World Peace" to participate in implementing the Asta Priority Program of the Minister of Religion through more concrete activities, including increasing harmony, humanity, and providing religious services that have an impact and are beneficial for the community and the environment.

The Central Java Ministry of Religious Affairs Buddhist Community Advisor, Karbono, said that the celebration of Waisak is expected to not only be a religious momentum, but also part of a collective movement of all people to train themselves and strengthen the practice of dhamma in daily life.

"Let us present the embodiment of Buddhist values in real life practices, creating a meeting space between spiritual values and social action, between sacredness and humanity. Through this approach, Waisak is not only celebrated ritualistically, but becomes a source of real transformation to benefit the people and the wider community," he explained.

Religious figure Bhikkhu Dhammavuddho Thera said that the Buddha's teachings encourage his followers to always maintain peace and religious harmony through the Saraniya Dhamma Sutta, which contains six life values, namely spreading love through deeds (True Kamma), love through words (Mettavaci Kamma), spreading love from the mind (The True Meaning of Kamma), always share with others (Sadharanaboghi), living a moral life (Please forgive me), and is based on the same view of truth (Ditthisamannata).

"The spiritual meaning of the Waisak celebration in the Borobudur Temple area is not only rooted in rituals or ceremonies, but includes a deep appreciation of the Buddha's teachings that touch the inner dimension, consciousness, and purpose of human life. This celebration is a contemplative, reflective, and transformational moment that is very important for Buddhists," explained Bhante Dhammavuddho.

Sub Coordinator of the Borobudur Museum and World Heritage Cultural Heritage, Wiwit Kasiyati, said that Borobudur Temple is not only a religious site but also a living world cultural heritage, open to all groups, across beliefs, and backgrounds—so that Borobudur can function as a bridge for intercultural dialogue and a center for world contemplation and peace.

"Borobudur not only holds humanistic spiritual values, but also reflects the greatness of past civilizations that still give meaning to today's life. Let us interpret Borobudur more broadly as an active cultural space, where various spiritual, historical, and humanitarian values meet," he explained.

Deputy Chairperson of the National Waisak Committee 2569 BE Karuna Murdaya said that the commemoration of the National Tri Suci Waisak Day 2569 BE/2025 was carried out with a series of events starting from May 4, 2025 to peak at the Waisak seconds on May 12, 2025 in the Borobudur Temple area.

Several series of activities include the implementation of simultaneous community service at the Heroes' Cemeteries throughout Indonesia on May 4, 2025, Free Medical Social Service at Borobudur Temple on May 10-11, 2025 in Zone II of Borobudur Temple which includes free medical treatment, minor surgery, dental surgery, distribution of reading glasses at Lumbini Park, Borobudur Temple.

Then continued with the Taking of the Dharma Fire in Mrapen, Grobogan and the Ritual of Sanctification of Mendut Temple on May 10, 2025, the taking of Blessed Water at Umbul Jumprit and the Ritual of Sanctification of Mendut Temple on May 11, 2025 and ending with the Waisak Parade from Mendut Temple to Borobudur Temple, the release of lanterns and the Detik-Detik Waisak (at 23.55.29 WIB) in the Borobudur Temple area on May 12, 2025.

The 2025 National Waisak Celebration at Borobudur Temple is a religious event that not only emphasizes ritual activities, but also has an impact on the surrounding community. One real form is by providing free medical treatment for 8.000 people, which will be held on May 10-11, 2025 at Lumbini Park, Borobudur Temple Tourism Park complex, Magelang.

"The series of 2025 Waisak celebrations are expected to be activities that have spiritual and social value by providing free medical treatment which is expected to have a positive impact on the surrounding community and strengthen the spirit of togetherness in diversity," explained Karuna Murdaya.

One of the series of Waisak in Borobudur that is awaited by the public is the flying of lanterns in the implementation of the Borobudur Waisak Lantern Festival "Light of Peace 2025". This year, the release of lanterns is carried out in two sessions, session 1 takes place at 18.00-20.00 WIB and session II takes place at 21.00-23.00 WIB.

Head of the Waisak Lantern Festival Committee 2569 BE, Fatmawati, said that participants who take part in the lantern release are encouraged to wear modest and white clothing. The lanterns released are 2569, adjusting to the current year of Waisak.

"Participants come from various backgrounds with the aim of experiencing the sacredness of the Waisak procession in Borobudur. Under the moonlight and the sparkle of thousands of lanterns, it becomes a moment to reflect and feel true peace born from within," he explained.

Fatmawati added that the Indonesian Mahanikaya Buddhist Religious Council (MBMI) in collaboration with Drone Show Indonesia presented a visual show in the form of a drone. Show which will be one of the peaks of the 2025 Waisak celebration at Borobudur Temple. Drone Show It visualizes the Buddha's journey of enlightenment, starting from his birth, asceticism, enlightenment and passing away.

“Educational visual stories through storytelling "It is hoped that this can bring the meaning of Waisak deeper and can be more easily understood by the public," he continued.

Thudong 2025 Committee Chairman Kevin Wu said that 36 Thudong monks were on a 2.763 km spiritual journey from Thailand to Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java. The journey, which took place from February and arrived at Borobudur Temple on May 10, 2025, was greeted enthusiastically by the local residents it passed. During the journey, the monks from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia visited mosques, churches, and temples and were warmly welcomed by Indonesians.

"Appreciation to all parties, figures, organizations, especially Macan Ali who consistently oversee this tiring journey. Hopefully the spirit of Thudong can continue to burn, ignite our spirit to maintain peace and tolerance. Hopefully this will be a step towards the future of Indonesia, becoming a greater nation, a stronger one," he explained.

The Indonesian Mahanikaya Buddhist Religious Council (MBMI) together with hundreds of people and stakeholders will welcome the arrival of Bhikkhu Thudong in the Borobudur Temple area on May 10, 2025. According to the plan, the arrival of the Bhikkhu will be greeted with a flower-strewn floor mat along the Main Marga of Borobudur Temple. In addition, the number of Bhante accompanying 33 Thudong monks on the way to Borobudur consists of 60 MBMI Sangha Bhikkhu and 39 Muni Bhikkhu.

InJourney Ensures Smooth 2025 Waisak Celebration

The State-Owned Aviation and Tourism Holding Company, PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero) or InJourney together with its subsidiary PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko or InJourney Destinations Management is currently focusing on preparing Borobudur Temple for the celebration of Waisak so that it can be carried out safely and smoothly operationally so that it can provide solemnity for all Buddhists who will worship.

InJourney is also ensuring that the 2025 Waisak celebration has a positive impact on the surrounding community. InJourney is committed to building the management of Borobudur Temple into an inclusive, vibrant, and continuously developing spiritual tourism ecosystem while still prioritizing cultural values.

"Borobudur Temple is not only a cultural heritage, but also an inclusive center of world spirituality. This commitment is not only about preserving the heritage of the past, but also providing real benefits for the welfare of society today and in the future. For that, collaboration from all parties is very necessary to be able to realize a resilient and sustainable ecosystem," explained President Director, Maya Watono.

InJourney Destination Management provides the best support in the implementation of the Tri Suci Waisak 2569 BE moment in the Borobudur Temple area, Magelang. This year, IDM echoes Waisak in Borobudur Enlightened in Harmony to spread universal values in the implementation of Waisak in Borobudur.

InJourney Destination Management President Director, Febrina Intan, said that Waisak in Borobudur is a form of respect to echo the universal values of the commemoration of the Tri Suci Waisak day at Borobudur Temple. This is in accordance with the sub-theme of Waisak carried by Walubi, namely "United to Realize Waisak Peace for the Happiness of All Beings".

"Waisak reflects a collaborative and cross-border spirit that can be utilized to strengthen social cohesion through the role of spiritual values and cultural arts. The Waisak moment is expected to strengthen Borobudur's position as a symbol of peace and harmony of humanity, which fosters a space for contemplation and reflection for all humanity regardless of religion, ethnicity, or nationality," he explained.

To support the comfort and smooth operation during the Waisak Day on May 12, 2025, Borobudur Tourism Park has made several operational adjustments at the destination. Visits to Borobudur Temple on that day (May 12, 2025) will be temporarily closed. Meanwhile, visits to the main courtyard or yard of Borobudur Temple will be closed at 12.00 WIB for tourists.

InJourney Destination Management also opens lantern viewing tickets which are opened online. online via website borobudur.injourneydestination.id from May 7, 2025. Meanwhile, on the inside of the Kalpataru gate, a spectator stand with limited capacity will also be built.

During the series of Waisak 2569 BE, IDM estimates the presence of around 90 thousand people and tourists at Borobudur Temple during the period of May 5-13, 2025. This figure is an increase of 5-10% from the number of Waisak visits in 2024. At the peak of Waisak in Borobudur, it is estimated that 30-40 thousand people and tourists will attend.

Meanwhile, the ratio of foreign tourist visits this year is targeted at 12 percent of the total number of visitors who come. This figure has increased compared to last year, where the ratio of foreign tourist visits was at 10 percent of the total number of visitors who came.

To support the number of visits, IDM collaborates with more than 150 officers from the TNI, POLRI units, two Fire engines and more than 180 internal security officers deployed to maintain the security and comfort of visitors during the Waisak series in Borobudur. In addition, IDM has prepared a health service unit in the form of four ambulances along with eight medical officers from the nearest Health Center or Regional Public Hospital from the destination.

IDM also ensures the comfort and cleanliness of the zone II area, especially the places of worship for the congregation who come. This is done by cleaning the Borobudur Temple area with Kawan Lama Solution and the Borobudur Cultural Heritage Museum ahead of Waisak. This clean solution initiative is carried out with environmentally friendly technology to provide a comfortable, safe, and sustainable worship space.

Borobudur Art Village (KSB) is the main entrance to the Waisak location this year. Then, participants can use electric vehicle (EV) paid or walking distance of around 10 to 15 minutes through a pedestrian area that has been prepared comfortably.

"IDM prepares operational destinations and officers so that visitor safety and comfort are maintained. Routes and access to and from venue "We prepare the infrastructure so that visitors are not confused. In addition, we also urge visitors who come to walk using the pedestrian area that we have prepared in the hope that visitors can feel a deeper experience," he explained.

InJourney Destination Management also organizes side events Waisak is titled Unveiling Borobudur. A 3-day, 2-night spiritual journey invites participants to experience the serenity and wisdom inspired by the pradaksina ritual of the Cakravartin of the Syailendra Dynasty in Borobudur.

"The journey guided by Hendrik Tanuwidjaja invites participants to do Mindul Walking Pradaksina in the main area of Borobudur Temple which brings peace, wisdom and self-harmony," he explained.

Pasar Medang once again fulfills visitors' desire to experience the uniqueness of culinary, taste, combined with charming local arts and culture. Presenting 60 local UMKM, visitors can experience various kinds of old dhaharan, old dhaharan, and new dhaharan.

In addition, Medang Market also presents Peken Piranti which offers Wellness Tool Kit, Handicrafts, Waisak Official merchandise. Bhuvana Java invites visitors to explore the richness of Nusantara Textiles, as well as Jamu Jawi workshops. Temu Sejatining Diri presents Odhi's Leaf Hope, Painting for Healing, Maca Weton and Sasana Karya present Dendang Medang, Dance Parade, Interfaith Mantras and Various Arts.

"This year's Medang Market on Waisak invites visitors to find traces of ancient wisdom, the warmth of greetings, the aroma of spices, and the light of hearts that shine on each other. Not only for oneself, but also for others, culture, and the earth," he explained.

The celebration of Waisak is not only a spiritual moment, but also a driving force for the local economy, especially in priority destination areas such as Borobudur. This year, more than 1.900 local MSMEs were recorded as actively involved in the celebration of Waisak, ranging from culinary, crafts, to tourism service providers.

"In addition, more than 1.000 local workers are also involved, both in terms of logistics, welcoming, service, and event management. This embodies the principle of empowerment and community participation," he continued.

In Waisak 2024, the occupancy of Balkondes (Village Economic Center) around Borobudur reached 100 percent. Meanwhile, according to data from the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) of Magelang Regency, the occupancy rate around the Borobudur area has reached 100% in Waisak 2025. Hotel and homestay accommodation in the Borobudur area fully booked for two days, specifically on May 11–12, 2025.

"Overall, it is hoped that the presence of Borobudur Temple can provide multiply effect on the regional economy by involving local MSMEs to achieve annual growth of more than 4,7%," continued Febrina Intan.

"Waisak in Borobudur is not only the embodiment of Buddhist values in real life practice but creates a meeting space between spirituality and social action, between sacredness and humanity that has a real impact, both for the souls of individuals and the wider community, especially those who live around Borobudur," he concluded.

News
News