Borobudur as a Source of Inspiration for Humanity and Civilization
The 3rd Borobudur International Conference was held again at the Borobudur Temple Tourism Park complex, Magelang Regency, Central Java, on Friday (May 4, 2018). A number of religious figures, institutions, and the general public from seven countries attended this annual event. The President Director of PT TWC, Edi Setijono, said that the holding of this conference was a momentum to unite all elements of society in the life of the nation and state, especially in this Indonesian political year. Therefore, this year's conference raised the theme "Borobudur as an Inspiration of Humanity and Civilization". "We chose this theme considering that this year is a political year for Indonesia, so it is hoped that Borobudur can be an inspiration to maintain human values amidst existing differences," explained Edi in his remarks.
Edi stated that one of the basic elements of humanity is kindness. This element is what makes a person strong in a society with all its political, religious, cultural, and social differences. "Through the holding of this International Conference in Borobudur, conference participants and the world community are reminded of the importance of humanitarian values in building civilization for the sake of creating harmony and togetherness," he explained. Edi said that this conference is a collaboration between PT TWC, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Education & Culture and the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises through the BUMN Sinergi Hadir untuk Negeri program. This is an important forum, where cultural and religious figures from various communities are present to express their views and engage in dialogue about Borobudur.
"Borobudur has become an inspiration to maintain civilized human values in order to achieve peace, harmony, and prosperity for humanity throughout the world," Edi added.
The conference featured His Eminence Kyabje Dagri Rinpoche from Serajey Monastic University of India; I Made Andi Arsana, Advisor to the Hindu Student Family of UGM Yogyakarta; Yenny Wahid, Director of The Wahid Institute; Hastho Bramantyo, a Buddhist figure; Budi Subanar, a Catholic figure; H. Syukriyanto, an Islamic figure, and Diane Butler, Ph.D., from Udayana University, Bali. The Director of Marketing and Services of PT TWC, Ricky P Siahaan, added that the Borobudur international conference has a vision of creating harmonious interfaith relations, to strengthen togetherness in diversity and build world peace.
"We want to convey moral messages that can provide enlightenment and peace, produce solutions to various religious and cultural issues, and create space for the realization of religious tolerance in Indonesia," explained Ricky. Furthermore, this event is an effort to preserve and preserve this very noble history, and increase the attractiveness of Borobudur Temple in the eyes of local and international tourists as a place of religious pilgrimage and a world cultural heritage. I Made Andi Arsana, advisor to the Hindu Student Family of UGM Yogyakarta added, Borobudur Temple is not only exclusive to one religion. This world cultural heritage has universal value for all humanity and the universe. "Borobudur Temple is a major magnet, capable of bringing peace, providing inspiration to all communities representing various disciplines," he said.
source:
https://regional.kompas.com
