IDM Ensures Operational Readiness for Vesak Day in Borobudur
The Vesak celebration in the Borobudur Temple area in 2570 BE was presented as an inclusive spiritual and cultural momentum through the theme "Dharma as a Source of Morals and Wisdom".
This spirit is presented by the Indonesian Buddhist Representatives (WALUBI), the Indonesian Mahanikaya Buddhist Council (MBMI), the Indonesian Nyingma Council (MUNI), InJourney Destination Management, and various parties through a series of activities that are full of spiritual values while providing a comfortable and meaningful experience for all visitors from various backgrounds.
InJourney Destination Management, as the destination manager, presents Vesak at Borobudur "Enlightened in Harmony" to emphasize Borobudur's position as a world-class spiritual pilgrimage destination capable of offering reflective and meaningful journeys. Furthermore, Vesak at Borobudur also provides a shared space that brings together people from diverse backgrounds, across religions, cultures, and nations in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
"Through the spirit of Enlightened in Harmony, we want to present an inclusive and meaningful Vesak experience for all. Borobudur Temple is a universal space of reflection, where visitors can be invited to cultivate peace, hope, and harmony in life. We want every visitor to feel a strong emotional connection with Borobudur's noble values," explained IDM Commercial Director Gistang Panutur in Magelang, Central Java, on Friday (May 29, 2026).
Operational Readiness
InJourney Destination Management ensures operational readiness during the Vesak series which takes place on May 23–31, 2026. IDM is making a number of service improvements to support the smooth running of all Vesak spiritual agendas while still accommodating limited regular tourist visits.
To support visitor navigation, IDM also offers the My Candi Guide digital app, available for download from the App Store and Google Play Store. This app makes it easier for tourists to navigate the site in a more convenient, orderly, and focused way through digital maps, visitor flow information, pedestrian paths, and guides to various service points and public facilities within the tourist area.
At the peak of the Vesak celebrations, Sunday, May 31, 2026, IDM will close tourist services such as tours of the temple structure, tours of the temple grounds, Borobudur Sunrise & Sunset services, and the Dagi Abhinaya Picnic program. Regular tourists can still visit the Borobudur area from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM WIB with limited access in Zone 2 of Borobudur. Furthermore, access to the Borobudur area is limited to Buddhists and participants of the Vesak series.
Vesak participants enter Borobudur through the Borobudur Arts Village. From there, visitors can reach the Vesak celebration area and the lantern release area by electric vehicle, electric bus, or on foot along the pedestrian path.
IDM ensures the operational readiness of the integrated vehicle parking area in the Borobudur Museum and Art Village area. This area can accommodate 448 cars, 432 motorcycles, and 55 buses. Furthermore, IDM is collaborating with the surrounding community to provide self-service parking in several areas, including Sabrangrowo Hamlet, Kujon Hamlet, and Kangan Hamlet in Borobudur Village, with an additional capacity of up to 405 cars.
"We've optimized the pedestrian path to be comfortable, safe, and shady, integrated with the cultural park and green spaces in the Borobudur area. Together with WALUBI, we've added 90 street lights along the main pedestrian path and over 25 signage pieces to enhance pedestrian comfort. We've also added 14 EVs with a capacity of 23 passengers and two EV buses with a capacity of 50 passengers each. We also provide wheelchair access and EV priority service to quickly assist priority visitors," explained Gistang Panutur.
Meanwhile, the safety and comfort of visitors are also a major concern through the addition of more than 90 spotlights in the visiting area, security by 80 internal and external personnel at the peak of Vesak, health services in the form of three amMonthces and referral hospitals around the destination, to the readiness of two fire engines and 20 APARs in the lantern flight area.
Medang Market and Vesak Installations in Borobudur
This year, IDM also presented a supporting installation titled Shanti Padma Borobudur, or Borobudur Peace Lotus. This installation represents purity, peace, and hope and is designed to create a contemplative atmosphere in the Borobudur area ahead of Vesak.
Additionally, visitors can participate in an interactive experience through the Light of Intention installation, a space where people can light candles of hope and write messages of kindness as a symbol of inner illumination and the spread of positive energy. Both installations will be available from May 17, 2026, until the peak of the upcoming Vesak celebrations.
The Unveiling Borobudur Sunset Meditation program, a collaboration with Myndful Act, will be held from May 29 to June 1, 2026. This program presents a spiritual experience through exploration of the Borobudur environment, sunset meditation at Dagi, and the release of peace lanterns.
Participants will also experience mindful walking around Borobudur Temple (pradaksina) at sunrise in Borobudur with Hendrick Tanu, Bhiksu Lobpon Dorji Sherab, Bhiksu Ugyen Pema Lundup, Bhiksuni Rev. Ervinna Myoufu, and Tunjung Dhimas Bintoro.
Vesak visitors can also explore a variety of Indonesian culinary delights at Medang Market on May 29–31, 2026. Medang Market features dozens of curated MSME tenants and a variety of selected local brands.
The activation at Plaza Beringin, the former main gate of Borobudur Temple Tourism Park, presents traditional culinary experiences, vegan food, art performances, educational workshops, and a unique experience titled Klinik Klenik: The Javanese Horoscope.
"The presence of Medang Market is expected to become a space for cultural interaction and a comfortable buffer zone for visitors before and after participating in the series of lantern flights," he concluded.
