Gov't Further Develops Religious Tourism in Borobudur, Prambanan Temples

TheIndonesia.co - The Indonesian government is putting its focus on the development of religious tourism in the country after announcing that four temples in Indonesia are open for worships and other religious rituals for Buddhists and Hindus around the world.

On Friday, February 11, Yogyakarta governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the utilization of Prambanan temple in Yogyakarta as well as Borobudur, Pawon, and Mendut temples in Central Java for religious activities for Buddhists and Hindus in Indonesia and the world.

Coordinator at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Adung Abdul Rochman said after the agreement, the four temples are expected to have more and better function as places of worship, which is in accordance to their initial construction purpose.

He added that, so far, the four temples have been mostly used for research, cultural, and tourism purposes.

Hamengkubuwono X said the utilization agreement also shows Indonesia’s commitment to religious moderation, social cohesion, and inter-religious harmony. Besides marveling at the architecture and learning its history, visitors are now also enabled and encouraged to learn about religious rituals and its values from the Buddhists and Hindus.

Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said he expected every stakeholder to work together to further develop and utilize the temples.

“Hopefully, all stakeholder can identify their roles [in the agreement],” he said.

“The development and utilization of religious destinations Prambanan and Borobudur temples in an integrated and inclusive manner must be interpreted as an important step in the temples’ preservation program as a cultural and world heritage.”