On Sunday, he visited the candi to preside over a modest ceremony to mark the completion of the rehabilitation project.
Similar sentiments were also echoed by Prof. Dr. Nurhadi Magetsari, an archeologist at the University of Indonesia.
"The religious tolerance was so good then that Buddhist and Hindu temples were always built side by side."
The most well-known example, he said, is Prambanan and Sewu in Central Java. The first is a Hindu candi while the second is Buddhist.
"By nature, our nation is a nation of diversity, made up of different ethnic groups, languages and belief systems that were able to live side by side in harmony. Apparently, in the present time such abilities have significantly decreased."
Nurhadi stressed that the Buddhist candi in Kalibukbuk should not be treated solely as a treasured artifact for scientific research but also as a valuable symbol of religious tolerance.
The Kalibukbuk candi is believed to have been built between the 9th and 10th century, when Buddhism flourished in northern Bali. Scientific projects have been conducted on the candi since 1994 while rehabilitation works began in 2004.
Hari said the Kalibukbuk candi shared several similarities with the Buddhist stupa in Pegulingan, Gianyar. Both are octagonal in shape. Excavations in both sites yield similar stupikas (tiny hollow stupa made of clay). Each fist-sized stupika houses clay seals inscribed with Buddhist invocations.
"The rehabilitation project is an effort to preserve this sacred heritage in order to inspire future generations."
The main structure of Kalibukbuk candi was found by the locals in 1992. It was partially buried 1.5 meters under the soft earth. A series of excavations carried out by archaeologists from the Denpasar-based Archaeology Body (Balar) yielded an eight sided foundation. The main structure is flanked by two smaller, complementary candi. All structures were made of clay bricks.
