5 Must-see UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Indonesia

TheIndonesia.co - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognizes 9 World Heritage Sites in Indonesia. 

Out of 1121 protected properties in the world that meet UNESCO’s selection criteria, there are 5 cultural and 4 natural sites in Indonesia. 

Here are the 5 cultural sites in Indonesia

1. Borobudur Temple

Borobudur is one of the biggest Buddhist Temple in the world. The temple was built during the Sailendra Dynasty in 780-840 AD.

Located in Magelang City, Central Java, the temple show you the majestic construction neatly arranged without modern-building materials. 

During Vesak Day, the commemoration of the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha, thousands of monks gather at the temple to repeat mantras and meditate. 

In addition, on the night of Vesak Day, thousands of tourists gather to release the environment-friendly sky lanterns. 

2. Prambanan Temple

Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia which was built in the 9th century AD. 

In addition to being the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, Prambanan is also one of the most beautiful temples in Southeast Asia.

This magnificent temple is a symbol of the glory of the ancient Mataram kingdom which had ruled Indonesia during the Hindu civilization era.

Prambanan temple is located in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta.

3. Sangiran Early Man Site

The Sangiran Early Man Site is an important archeological site in Central Java. 

It’s famous for the discovery of the first hominid fossils, other homo Erectus fossils, and stone tools in the 1930s.

It is known that the excavation of the Sangiran ancient human site started from 1936 to 1941.

Sangiran is recognized by scientists to be one of the most important sites in the world for studying human fossils. 

4. Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy

Bali is widely known for its cascading rice terraces. It takes an efficient water system to keep the luscious rice terraces green, thus, UNESCO recognized the Subak, a water irrigation system of canals and tunnels that connect over 19,500 hectares. 

The subak is based on the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, which brings harmony with God, people, and the environment. 

Farmers have used this system for a thousand years which is why there has been good fortune with the rice crops over the years.

5. Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto

As the newest UNESCO Indonesia site, the Ombilin Coal Mining is the oldest coal mine in Southeast Asia. It is located in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra Province.

The area developed as the main mining site for trade and export in the 19th century. Currently, the site is managed to be a tourist destination based on its cultural heritage and history.

You can visit the Ombilin Coal Mining Museum to learn about the company’s history and view the tools used in the mines.