Reorganization of Borobudur Temple Area Expected to Have Significant Impact on Economy in the Region

PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko (PT TWC) or now called InJourney Destination Management (IDM) is preparing a re-arrangement or remasterplan of the Borobudur Temple destination area located in Magelang Regency , Central Java.

InJourney Destination Management President Director Febrina Intan said, in addition to increasing the green open space in the Borobudur Temple complex, this arrangement also prepares a number of new and modern facilities. These facilities include landscaped gardens, museums, and the Borobudur Art Village. Visitors will be able to experience a more diverse experience, from art performances to comfortable rest areas.

"To reach the temple area, visitors are given two options: ride an electric vehicle (EV) or walk. In the future, we will build a pedestrian walkway so visitors can walk more comfortably under the shade of shady trees. Along the approximately 1000-1200 meter journey from KSB to the temple, we will provide a refreshment area. You can sit there so the walk doesn't feel tiring," he explained.

With an area of ​​10,74 hectares, Borobudur Art Village is equipped with various comfortable public facilities, such as toilets, places of worship, and culinary centers. Tourists can also enjoy art galleries, amphitheaters, museums, pendopos, as well as centers for UMKM products and typical crafts that can be used as authentic souvenirs characteristic of the Borobudur area.

"Currently, we're about 80 percent complete in phase I. This development will continue toward the Borobudur Spiritual Sanctuary , which we plan to do in three phases. God willing, it will be fully operational by the middle of next year," he continued.

InJourney's Director of Marketing and Tourism Programs, Maya Watono, revealed that the redevelopment of the Borobudur area is aimed at increasing international tourist visits, particularly to the world's significant Buddhist population. In Southeast Asia, Thailand has the largest Buddhist population , with 64 million people.

"Buddhists in the world are around 490 million people, most of whom are spread across Asia, especially Southeast Asia. If we can take 3 percent of the 64 million tourists from Thailand who want to come to Borobudur, it will have a significant impact on the regional economy, especially Magelang and Central Java," said Maya Watono, Thursday, September 19, 2024.

The Borobudur remasterplan will encompass several key aspects. First, it will begin with management improvements. The management of the Borobudur area will no longer be combined with that of other destinations managed by InJourney Destination Management (IDM) or PT TWC, such as Prambanan and Ratu Boko Temples. Borobudur will be managed under a single management authority , or through a new organization called Taman Wisata Borobudur (TWB).

"The decree on the management of Borobudur under single authority management was signed by the President (Joko Widodo) today," he said.

The redevelopment of Borobudur Temple prioritizes four main pillars: conservation, reforestation, spirituality, and education. The Borobudur remasterplan will encompass several key aspects.

First, it begins with management improvements. The management of the Borobudur area will no longer be intermingled with that of other destinations managed by InJourney Destination Management (IDM) or PT TWC, such as Prambanan and Ratu Boko Temples. Borobudur will be managed under a single management authority , or through a new organization called Taman Wisata Borobudur (TWB).

Second, the restructuring of access to and from Borobudur Temple. This restructuring will involve moving the main gate , the main entrance to Borobudur. Third, IDM will also build a spiritual meditation center within the Borobudur Temple complex. This meditation center will be intended for the public, especially Buddhists, to pray while visiting the temple.

Fourth, IDM will also return the Basic Building Coefficient (KDB) figure around Borobudur Temple below 4 percent or to 3,9 percent according to Unesco's recommendation. "We maintain this KDB because it prioritizes the green concept, so we increase greening," he said.

The arrangement of Borobudur also considers the educational aspect. So the museum in the Borobudur complex is important to be rearranged. Borobudur Art Village as the new epicentrum in Borobudur temple presents an attractive museum with interesting collections. In addition, PT TWC also presents Virtual Reality (VR) games that add to the attraction of the museum.

" The purpose of the Borobudur Museum is to educate people about its history before they ascend, so that Borobudur isn't just a photo backdrop. We present the museum's story of how it was built, how it was discovered, and how it is maintained and preserved. We hope that the Borobudur Museum experience will not require visitors to climb to the top, thus preserving the temple's structure," concluded Febrina Intan.