Through Waisak, InJourney Transforms Borobudur into an Inclusive Spiritual Cultural Destination

Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java is once again the center of the celebration of Tri Suci Waisak 2569 BE/2025. Tens of thousands of Buddhists from various countries and regions in Indonesia filled Borobudur Temple solemnly to follow the series of events to commemorate Waisak 2025. Not only that, the presence of a lantern festival and drone show attractions that tell the story of the Buddha's journey made the Borobudur sky even more beautiful and became an attraction for the surrounding community to flock to watch. This celebration is the result of a collaboration between InJourney and the Indonesian Buddhist Representative (Walubi) with support from the Central Government and Regional Governments.

"InJourney would like to thank all stakeholders and the active participation of the community who have helped the smooth running and success of the implementation of Waisak 2569 BE/2025. The very high enthusiasm of the community for the implementation of Waisak this year has further strengthened Borobudur Temple as a cultural spiritual tourism destination that is not only a symbol in preserving world cultural heritage but more than that, through this Waisak Borobudur Temple becomes a representation to prove that Indonesian tourism is able to prioritize the values ​​of tolerance, harmony, and diversity," said Maya Watono, President Director of PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero) or InJourney.

The Vesak celebration at Borobudur Temple was also attended by 36 monks from various countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, USA who previously performed the Thudong ritual as far as 2.600 km from Thailand to Indonesia. The Thudong ritual is a spiritual journey carried out by monks by walking thousands of kilometers as a form of implementing the values ​​of patience, perseverance, and fortitude. The 2025 Vesak thudong ritual began in Bangkok on February 6, 2025. They arrived at Borobudur Temple on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

The series of events for Waisak 2025 began with the taking of the Dharma Fire and Holy Water. The taking of the Dharma Fire was carried out at the Mrapen Eternal Fire, Grobogan Regency, Central Java, while the taking of Holy Water was carried out at Umbul Jumprit, Temanggung Regency, Central Java. Next, a procession was carried out to Borobudur Temple to carry out the peak of the Waisak procession.

The peak of the event began with a procession from Mendut Temple to Borobudur Temple, a lantern release procession, a commemoration of the Waisak seconds which fell at 23.55.29 WIB. Ended with a pradaksina ritual or walking around Borobudur Temple 3 times as a form of spiritual respect.

To support the smooth implementation of Waisak 2025, PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko (TWC) or InJourney Destination Management (IDM) has prepared various supporting facilities and infrastructure. One of them is providing parking pockets to anticipate the surge in visitors. IDM also cooperates with the police to ensure smooth traffic during the event. In addition, the Medang Market is also presented with a variety of local culinary choices, both traditional and contemporary, as well as a dance parade and various arts to add entertainment for the people who attend.

"We are grateful that the entire series of events took place solemnly and smoothly, and all Buddhists and other Borobudur visitors were able to enjoy the 2025 Waisak celebration at Borobudur Temple. We hope that this year's Waisak celebration can provide a deep impression and meaning for all the people who attended," said InJourney Destination Management President Director, Febrina Intan.

InJourney continues to be committed to promoting an inclusive tourism ecosystem at Borobudur Temple. Borobudur is the face of tourism that glorifies the spiritual and cultural values ​​of the nation. The management of Borobudur Temple is a model for developing other tourism destinations in Indonesia, namely not only oriented towards the number of visits and profits, but also the quality of experience, cultural sustainability and community empowerment.

"Borobudur Temple is an inclusive tourism ecosystem, which means it must be able to reach all groups. Therefore, InJourney has encouraged various initiatives to make Borobudur Temple not only a historical and cultural tourist spot, but also a center of spirituality that is open to all groups, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or visitor background," added Maya Watono.

Maya also added that the management of Borobudur Temple proves that when a tourist destination is developed with an inclusive, contemplative, and community-based approach, the results are not only in terms of economy, but also a legacy of value for future generations. "With the support of stakeholders, Borobudur Temple in the future will not only be a world icon, but also a global spiritual home full of peace," concluded Maya Watono.