Release of 40 Thudong Bhikkhus to Go on Spiritual Journey to Borobudur Temple for Waisak Celebration on May 23rd

Jakarta, May 14, 2024 – Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) managed by InJourney Destination Management (PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko) a subsidiary of PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero) or known as InJourney, became the location for the release procession of Bhikkhu Thudong who will undertake a spiritual journey to Borobudur Temple ahead of the celebration of Tri Suci Waisak Day 2568 BE. The event, which took place on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, was part of InJourney Group's commitment to developing spiritual activities by carrying the concept of harmony and the values ​​of diversity of the Indonesian nation.

The release of Bhikkhu Thudong is part of a series of events to welcome the celebration of the Tri Suci Waisak Day 2568 BE at Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java. With the theme "Enlightened in Harmony", the #WaisakdiBorobudur moment is expected to encourage moral and spiritual enlightenment through the universal values ​​of Borobudur Temple. The procession at TMII, which was attended by thousands of people, reflected the diversity, mutual respect, and tolerance that are the essence of Indonesia's diversity.

Ceremonially, the Thudong Bhikkhus received the symbolic handover of the red and white flag, the flag of the Buddhist assembly, and the Dharma wheel. The procession was accompanied by prayers from six religions in the TMII Promenade area, reflecting the harmony of spiritual values ​​and strengthening the sense of brotherhood and diversity of the Indonesian nation. The event ended with the Fang Shen procession or the release of doves as a symbol of eternal peace and the floating of lanterns of hope carried out at the Archipelago Lake.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahudin Uno, was present and welcomed the arrival of the monks at TMII. He said that the momentum of the Waisak celebration is a sacred momentum, especially since it is held at Borobudur Temple, where the location has been arranged to become a religious tourism site. "With the Waisak celebration, it can actually attract up to 300 thousand tourists to Waisak Temple, this number certainly affects the level of accommodation occupancy around Borobudur to the Yogyakarta area, so that a positive economic impact can be felt with this religious tourism," he explained. 

On this occasion, Deputy Minister of SOEs Kartika Wirjoatmodjo also welcomed the arrival of 40 Bhikkhus at Sasana Langen Budoyo, TMII. "Welcome to 40 Bhikkhus from various ASEAN countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia itself who will carry out Thudong activities, where Thuddong is a spiritual activity to walk to Borobudur Temple, the place of the peak procession of the 2568 B Waisak holiday," he said. 

Kartika explained that Borobudur is known as one of the 5 Super Priority Tourism Destinations (DPSP), which also serves as an epicenter for Buddhist worship. Managed by InJourney Destination Management, Tiko believes that Borobudur Temple can maintain balance as a tourism destination while maintaining its own uniqueness through the concept of a spiritual destination.

Meanwhile, InJourney's Marketing and Tourism Program Director, Maya Watono, revealed the reason TMII was chosen as the starting point for the Thudong 40 Bhikkhu ritual. According to her, this location was chosen because it is full of cultural values ​​and a symbol of Indonesia's diversity and variety. "TMII is an Indonesian heritage asset under InJourney. From TMII, 40 Bhikkhus will walk to Borobudur Temple, so there are significant spiritual values ​​in the journey," said Maya.

"The procession of the release of the Thudong Bhikkhus this time is very special. The presence of the general public who also released the sacred journey of the Thudong Bhikkhus is a symbol of harmony, which is the main capital in strengthening and advancing the Indonesian nation," added Maya Watono.

InJourney is also positioning Borobudur Temple through spiritual pilgrim tourism, which emphasizes the spirits of heritage, culture , and spiritual values. "This will not only be about tourism or celebration, but also attract special interest tourists, specifically spiritual pilgrims, to Borobudur Temple, not only domestic but also international," he explained.

InJourney's Commitment to Ensure the Smoothness of Solemn Vesak Celebration Services

Visitors to TMII can also participate in a walking meditation led by monks on the TMII jogging track . This walking meditation aims to develop skills for achieving inner peace, reducing stress, improving concentration, and developing self-awareness. After the walking meditation, Bhikkhu Thudong and all participants participate in the Universal Hope Lantern procession, floating lanterns in TMII's Archipelago Lake as a symbol of spreading hope and virtue to achieve universal happiness.

"This entire procession is a form of our respect for the monks who will visit the holy site of Borobudur Temple during this year's Waisak celebration. We hope that the journey of the Thudong monks can foster togetherness, tolerance, and a spirit of brotherhood," explained InJourney Destination Management's Marketing and Business Development Director, Hetty Herawati.

Hetty Herawati emphasized that TMII as a cultural destination that reflects the diversity and richness of Indonesia, is a center for the dissemination of pluralistic values. "TMII represents the harmony of Indonesia's diversity. The presence of the people and society shows harmony, compassion, and tolerance in the motherland," she said.

Deputy Chairman of the National Waisak Committee 2568 BE, YM Bhante Dhammavuddho, expressed his appreciation for the support and smooth implementation of this procession. "TMII provides space for diversity to grow and develop. Traditional arts and cultural activities that continue to be promoted will strengthen the joints of diversity, becoming embers for love for the homeland and nation," he said. 

The procession of sending off Bhikkhu Thudong organized by IDM under the InJourney Group affirms a shared commitment to ensure that the series of worship services run solemnly and smoothly, reflecting the noble values ​​of the Indonesian nation that respect diversity and tolerance.