Borobudur Temple in Indonesia Transforms Under New Regulations

The Buddhist Channel, 19 December 2023

Jogjakarta, Indonesia -- The Candi Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple located near the central Javanese city of Yogyakarta, has undergone a significant transformation in recent times.

Previously marred by issues such as vandalism, graffiti, and inappropriate behavior, the temple's sanctity has been revived through a series of measures aimed at preserving its historic and cultural significance.

The temple, dating back to the eighth and ninth centuries, boasts a three-tiered hilltop structure shaped like a mandala. Its galleries feature 2,670 stone bas reliefs depicting scenes of society from over 1,200 years ago.

Closed in March 2020 due to ongoing problems exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, the temple reopened in March of the following year with a renewed focus on conservation. The aim now is towards preserving its sacred nature and protecting it from disrespectful behavior of some visitors. Prior to the closure, the temple suffered from vandalism, with visitors climbing on stupas, inserting items between carvings, and even engaging in unauthorized advertising and acrobatics.

In response to these challenges, new rules and regulations have been implemented to safeguard the temple's cultural and historical wealth. The daily visitor limit is now set at 1,200, with entry fees adjusted to US$90 for foreign tourists and approximately US$50 for domestic visitors.

Visitors are provided with bamboo flip-flop-style slippers and must be accompanied by local guides. To prevent unauthorized stunts, ID verification is required, and visitor information is stored in wristbands, ensuring adherence to time limits.

While some lament the stricter regulations, citing simpler times when unrestricted access was possible, the overall sentiment is that these measures are essential for preserving the temple's integrity.

The temple, now open from 8 am to 4 pm, offers a more controlled and respectful environment for visitors to experience its ancient history and mystique.