CONVERSATION TEXT : THE RELIEF IN BOROBUDUR

TEMPLE
17:51 AVESINA WISDA NO COMMENTS

THE RELIEF IN BOROBUDUR TEMPLE

Steven {tourist} : Excuse me Sir , my name is Steven Alex, I came from Italy.

Sharju {guide } : Nice to meet you, my name is Sharju, I’m guide in Borobudur temple, and what can I
do for you?

Steven {tourist} : Nice to meet you too, I want to ask about the relief in Borobudur temple!

Sharju {guide } : Oh…with pleasure, what do you want to ask for me?

Steven {tourist} : First, I want to see relieft in Kamadhatu stage!

Sharju {guide } : Follow me!

Steven {tourist} : Ok, bay the way, do you know the name of that relief?

Sharju {guide } : Of course, it is Mahakarmawibangga and do you know , that relieft have of 160
panels.

Steven {tourist} : Oh…yes, I know. And is it true that reliefs on hidden foot depict the inevitable Law of
Karma?

Sharju {guide } : Yes it true, and how can you know about that?

Steven {tourist} : I know from book about Borobudur temple in Italy.

Sharju {guide } : Ok let’s to Rupadhatu stage!

Steven {tourist} : Why we have to enter the Borobudur temple by the east gate and circle the temple
clockwise?

Sharju {guide } : O…because it is appreciate a structure of Borobudur temple and his process called
Pradaksina.

Steven {tourist} : Then, how many relief are there in the story of Lalitavistara?

Sharju {guide } : There are 120 panels and located on the main wall of the first gallery.

Steven {tourist} : Ok… then what relief are there in the upper gallery?
Sharju {guide } : Oh…., there are Gandhayuda and Jataka or Awadana reliefs.

Steven {tourist} : I know the Jataka, and what is Gandhayuda?

Sharju {guide } : It is depicts Sudhana’s tireless wandering in search of highest perfect wisdom. And
have of 460 panels.

Steven {tourist} : Ok… thank you for you help Mr. Sharju, See you. Bye….

Sharju {guide } : Bye bye….

 0
Guide : Hello Sir, I am khodijah.

Tourist : Oh hi khodijah. Are you my tour guide?

Guide : Yes Sir, I am your tour guide. Is it the first time you visit to the Borobudur
Temple?

Tourist : Yes this is my first time visiting here. Can you explain about this place?

Guide : Yes of course sir, that is what I am here for. Borobudur was built around 800
AD or the 9th century. Borobudur was built by the adherents of Mahayana Buddhism
during the reign of the Syailendra dynasty. This temple was built in the glory of the
Syailendra dynasty . Founder of the Borobudur Temple is King Samaratungga, who
comes from the Syailendra dynasty. The possibility of this temple was built around 824
AD and was completed around the year 900 AD during the reign of Queen
Pramudawardhani who is the daughter of Samaratungga. Borobudur has 10 levels
consisting of 6 levels of a square, 3 levels round circular and a main stupa as a peak. In
every level there are several stupas. Altogether there are 72 stupas in addition to the
main stupa. In every stupa there is a statue of Buddha. Ten levels of Buddhist
philosophy are the ten Bodhisattva levels that must be traversed to reach the perfection
of the Buddha in nirvana. This perfection symbolized by the main stupa at the top level.
Borobudur structure when viewed from above form a mandala structure depicting
Buddhist cosmology and human thinking. On the four sides of the temple there is a gate
and stairs to the level above it like a pyramid. This illustrates the Buddhist philosophy
that all life came from rocks. Stone became sand, then into plants, then into the insect,
then a wild animal and pets, and the last to be human. This process is known as
reincarnation. The last process is a soul and finally into nirvana.

Tourist : Wow, this is a building that is very rich in history. How this huge building
built?

Guide : This huge building consists of a giant pile of stone blocks which have a total
height of 42 meters. Each stone spliced without using cement or adhesive. These stones
are only connected by patterns and stacked. The base of Borobudur temple is about 118
m on each side. The stones used approximately 55,000 cubic meters. All the stones
taken from the river around the Borobudur Temple. These stones are cut and then
transported and connected with a pattern like the lego games.

Tourist : It is amazing, Indonesia should be very proud to have a building that is very
magical and beautiful like the Borobudur Temple.

Guide : Oh of course sir, we are very proud to have the amazing buildings such as the
Borobudur temple.

Tourist : Okay let’s take me around the temple, I can not wait to see the wonders of this
place.
Guide : Oh okay sir, Let us see the wonders of this place.
FOUNDER

Bukit Rhema or known as the Chicken Church was built in 1992

by Daniel Alamsjah. Daniel Alamsjah received a vision in 1988 to build a House of
Prayer for All Nations after praying overnight at the place where Bukit Rhema was built.
Young Daniel did not initially know that this place was in Gombong Kembanglimus
Village, Magelang, Central Java; located at the corner of City of Borobudur.
In spite of this place was far from where Daniel lived; he was living in Jakarta at that
time, his faith still led young Daniel to visit this place and then Daniel Alamsjah received
that vision.

THE BEGINNING
Daniel believed that there would be many people coming, flocking from All Tribes to
Bukit Rhema in order to see the goodness of God.
Because of this vision, Daniel spent most of his life building Bukit Rhema. The Beginning
of Bukit Rhema Development was the difficult moment for Daniel because he spent 5
days of his time working in Jakarta and on weekend he had to monitor the development
of this building in Magelang. More than 10 years Daniel spent Friday night and Sunday
afternoon on the train of Jakarta – Purworejo – Jakarta. Then, on Monday morning he
came to his routine as a private employee in one of the companies in Jakarta.

THE POWER OF GOD

Many challenges once got in his way, but Daniel believed in God’s perfect help. Daniel
continued to awaken his sense of service by building a Drug and Mental Rehabilitation
Center not far from Bukit Rhema. The Rehab center was named Betesda Rehabilitation
Center.
At the age of over 70 years, God continued to provide health for Daniel, so he could
learn how to rehabilitate drug users and has been able to serve those who lost.

SEVEN STOREYS
Currently Bukit Rhema is known as Chicken Church which has 7 storeys (floor), each
floor will have different “story telling”; which telling the Spiritual of Man’s Journey, the
Meaning of Prayer, God’s Goodness, Miracle and Local Wisdom.
All of this is set in interconnected paintings and it has moral value for visitors.

THE JOURNEY OF BUKIT RHEMA

Currently, Bukit Rhema continues to develop into religious tour, natural tourism,
educational tour and culinary tour in Magelang.
  Religious Tour
Bukit Rhema provides some quite private prayer rooms for anyone who wants to
pray. The place of the prayer rooms is located in the basement of the Dove-
Shaped Building. The rooms are special to pray because Bukit Rhema as the
Chicken Church is not only known as a Church but also the house of prayer for
all nations.
 Natural Tourism
Do you still remember about drawing lesson when you were a kid? We were
thaught to draw two mountains and the sun was right out in the middle. Surely, if
you come to Bukit Rhema, you can see beautiful sunrise here. No wonder many
people are willing to wait from down to see the sun rise between two mountains.
Perhaps this is the inspiration of our drawing lesson in the past. Bukit Rhema is
also known for being one of the best and most beautiful private sunrise spot in
Magelang besides Puthuk Setumbu.
 Educational Tour
After seeing the sunrise from the crown of Bukit Rhema that resembles the shape
of chicken, visitors then can watch and take pictures of paintings on the wall of
this Bukit Rhema. Each floor has paintings with different themes ranging from the
warning signs of drug abuse to the younger generation, the journey of life to
nationalism in our country.
 Culinary Tour
Kedai Rakyat W’Dank Bukit Rhema is now opened. This cafe is located on the
back of Bukit Rhema. The scenery is also beautiful with the view from the crown
of the dove-shaped building.
With gentle breeze while sipping the traditional warm wedang (Indonesian form of
beverage) as well as the coffee sold in this shop will make you feel like living at
home where many people call this ‘Chicken Church’, especially for those who
come to this place, every entrance ticket of Bukit Rhema that you buy has
included free cassava traditional food which is named Latela Gombong Cassava.
Latela Gombong Cassava is processed by local residents and served with
traditional chili that makes the taste of cassava more delicious. Have you ever
eaten cassava with chili sauce? Let’s try it at the Kedai Rakyat W’Dank Bukit
Rhema. Cassava flavor is not the same as fried cassava that you usually eat.

In addition, Bukit Rhema (Chicken Church) is also one of the driving force of Borobudur
tourism village and people-oriented economy through bundling entrance ticket of Bukit
Rhema with Traditional Food (Latela Gombong Cassava). Latela Gombong Cassava is
cassava produced and processed by residents around Bukit Rhema (Gereja Chicken).
If you have traveled to Magelang, perhaps the most known tourist attractions you know
in Magelang are Borobudur temple or Malioboro in Jogjakarta. Yes, indeed both of these
destinations are already known to many people.
However, Magelang now has many new tourist attractions that are required and very
interesting to visit when you are traveling there. Let’s start exploring the tourist
attractions in Magelang that you must know.
1. BUKIT RHEMA / CHICKEN CHURCH

Many people think this is a chicken-shaped building so people

refer to this building as the Chicken Church. But if we look more carefully especially
when viewed from the tail, this building actually resembles a bird. Yes, certainly, this
building is created following the shape of Pigeon with a Crown at its top.
Daniel Alamsjah is the founder of Bukit Rhema, the Religious Tour which is currently
very famous as the Chicken Church. Now, Daniel Alamsjah is over 70 years old and if
you are a lucky traveler, you can meet him around Bukit Rhema monitoring development
of this building.
Bukit Rhema is not a church so now you know the truth, right? And Bukit Rhema
resembles a pigeon and not a church. So you, the travelers from around the world, can
visit here.
This location is special with beautiful natural scenery; from the crown of Bukit Rhema we
can see Borobudur Temple. When in the dawn, Bukit Rhema is also a favorite place to
hunt for sunrise. But because Bukit Rhema crown can only accommodate maximum of
15 people, so you need to book the place first.
Address: Gombong Village, Kembanglimus, Borobudur, Magelang, Jawa Tengah,
Indonesia.
Entrance Ticket Fee: IDR. 15,000/Person for Local Traveler and IDR. 30,000/Person for
foreign traveler (Free Cassava)
2. BOROBUDUR TEMPLE

Who does not know this most historic tourist attraction in

Magelang? Yes, Borobudur Temple.
Borobudur temple is a place where millions of Buddhists from all over the world gather to
celebrate the feast of Vesak (Waisak).
On that day, Borobudur will be full of Buddhists as well as tourists.
As you know that Vesak day becomes the main attraction for tourists, because on that
day many unique rituals will be run.
One of the most awaited events is when thousands of lanterns are flying and decorating
the sky with its little light.
In addition to being a gathering place for Buddhists from all over the world, Borobudur is
also known as the largest Buddhist monument in the world that has high historical value
and has been recognized by the world.
Here you will be accompanied by thousands of relief panels along the temple wall that
will tell you the three levels of Buddha’s life (Kamadhatu, Rupadhatu, and Arupadhatu).
Moreover, besides of its historical value, Borobudur temple is also known for the beauty
and uniqueness of the building, since this temple is only built from rocks arranged in
such way.
So no wonder if Borobudur temple is always fully visited with domestic and foreign
tourists every day.
Address: Borobudur District, Magelang Regency, Central Java.
Entrance Ticket Price: IDR 30,000 (adults) or IDR 12,500 (kids).
You can visit here anytime because Borobudur temple is opened every day including
day off with the operational hours starting at 06.00 am to 05.00 pm.
3. PUNTHUK SETUMBU

Punthuk Setumbu is an interesting place besides Bukit Rhema to

watch the sunrise, from the top of the hill about 400 meters above sea level; here you
can enjoy the beautiful Borobudur temple in the morning.
Accompanied by the cool air, you can pamper your eyes for a moment to gaze at the
sunrise from the enchanting Puthuk Setumbu.
In the past, this place was a field owned by the local residents..
But rapidly, after a photographer managed to take a stunning picture of sunrise at
Borobudur, people got interested to witness the beautiful sunrise from this place.
If you do not want to miss the beautiful sunrise from Punthuk Setumbu, it is preferably to
be right at top of the hill at 05:00 a.m.
While to reach the top of the hill, you have to go through the hiking trails for 15 minutes
from the parking lot at the foot of the hill. That means you have to leave at least 20
minutes early before 5 am.
Address: Kerahan Hamlet, Karangrejo Village, Borobudur, Magelang.
Entrance Ticket Fee: IDR 15,000 /Visitor
4. CAMERA HOUSE (RUMAH KAMERA)

At first glance you certainly can guess why this building is called a
camera house; exactly it is very clear because this house is shaped exactly like a DSLR
camera, but in a very big size. The owner name of the house is the Mr. Tanggol Angien
Jatikusumo, or more familiarly called Mr. Tanggol.
He is a painter from Semarang who has long lived in Bali, then why Mr. Tanggol creates
a camera-shaped house?
For him, the camera is an object that needs to be treated and loved and he thought to
build a camera-shaped house.
Because of the uniqueness of Mr. Tanggol’s house which shapes like a camera with its
large size, finally this place becomes an attraction and attention of the community.
Now, this place is known by many people and many visitors come every day to the
camera house just to see the building directly because of their curiosity with its
uniqueness.
Inside, you will find Mr. Tanggol’s impressive paintings. Or you could say, the camera
house is a gallery of Mr. Tanggol’s paintings.
After being satisfied to see Mr. Tanggol’s paintings, you can also go to the top of the
building or more precisely at the top of building which is camera lens-shaped building.
There you can look around the village clearly.
Address: Majaksingi Street, Borobudur District, Magelang, Central Java.
Entrance Ticket Fee: IDR 5,000/visitor
Conversation between Tour Guide and Tourist in Borobudur Temple
Tour Guide : Good Morning.

Tourist : Good Morning.

Tour Guide : My name is Endah, I’m is your tour guide today. Welcome to
Borobudur temple.

: This is the most beautiful temple I have ever seen.

Tourist
: Yeah.
Tour Guide
Borobudur is buddhist stupa and temple complex in Central Java,
Indonesia dating from 8th century and a UNESCO World Heritage
Site.

: Please tell me about the history of this temple.

Tourist : There is no definite written record of who built Borobudur or why it

was built. It was likely founded as a religious site in the 8th century at
Tour Guide
the peak of the Sailendra dynasty in central Java. The construction
is thought to have taken a period of 75 years, and completed in
about 825.

: Hmmm…

This temple still holds many mysteries.

: Yeah…
Tourist
According to historical evidence, Borobudur was abandoned
in the 14th century concomitantweakening of the influence
Tour Guide of Hindu and Buddhistkingdom in Java and from the inclusion
of the influence of Islam. The world began to realize the existence
of this building since 1814, discovered by SirThomas Stamford
Raffles, who was then serving as theBritish Governor-General of
Java. Since then Borobudurhas suffered a series
of rescue and restoration efforts. 's
Largest refurbishment project called century effort in1975 to
1982 the Government of Indonesia andUNESCO,
and historic sites in the World Heritage Sites list.

: The building of this temple is unique. Is there have a meaning?

: The monument consists of six square-shaped core are on top there

are three circular courtyard, the walls are decorated with 2672 relief
panels and original there are 504 Buddha statues. The single largest
Stupa are located in the middle once crowned this building,
surrounded by three circular line 72 perforated stupa in which there
is a statue of Buddha sitting cross-legged in the lotus position perfect
Tourist with Mudra (hand gesture) Dharmachakra mudra (turning the
wheel of dharma).
Tour Guide
 : Yeah, I see… What’s next?

: This monument is a model of the universe and built as a shrine to

honor the Buddha as well as serve as a place of
pilgrimage to lead humanity from natureearthly passion turned to
enlightenment and wisdomaccording to the teachings of
Buddha. The pilgrimsenter through the east side start at the base
of the temple ritual by walking encircling the shrineclockwise, while
continuing to climb the stairs to thenext through the three levels
of the
realm in Buddhistcosmology. The third level is Kamadhatu (the
Tourist realm ofthe passions), Rupadhatu (the realm
of intangibles),and Arupadhatu (intangible realm). In this journey of
Tour Guide pilgrims walking through a series of hallways and stairswith no
less than 1,460 witnessed the beautiful reliefpanels carved on the
walls and balustrades.

: I ever hear about the eruption of Mount Merapi on 2010. Does

it give effect to the building of Borobudur?

: Borobudur was heavily affected by the eruption of Mount Merapi in

October and November 2010. Volcanic ash from Merapi fell on the
temple complex, which is approximately 28 km (17.5 mi) west-
southwest of the crater. During the strong eruption of 3-5 November
for example, a layer of ash up to 2.5 cm (1 in) thick fell onto the
temple. This also killed nearby vegetation. Experts feared that the
acidic ash might severely damage the historic site. The temple
complex was closed from 5-9 November 2010 to clean up that ash-
fall, and the upper levels remained closed to the public until late
September 2011. Upon reopening the upper levels, the Borobudur
Conservation Agency announced that visitor numbers to those
levels were restricted to under 82 people.

: Oh, it sounds bad.

Tourist : Ok, that’s all for today, and lets enjoy this trip. Thank you for your
attention, and have a nice trip.

Tour Guide
Tourist

Tour Guide
Representing The Buddhist Cosmology And The
Nature Of Mind From Borobudur Temple

Apart from Bali, Borobudur is the most well-known cultural site of Indonesia, its iconic image is
widely used to represent Buddhism or exotic of Southeast Asia which turned Borobudur to be a
must see place in this country besides another interesting place in Central Java. Borobudur was
built in 9th century under the reign of dynasty Sailendra and located in Magelang, Central Java. It
has nine platform, the lower part contains with six square and the upper three are circular. It has
approximately 72 small stupas and one large in the central of the stupa. It also has the statue of
Buddha sits inside the big stupa. Borobudur has 2.672 relief that carved into its wall. The
architecture of Borobudur mostly tells about the story of human being which tell about the symbol
of the Buddhist universe as well known as Kamadhatu, Rupadhatu, and Arupadhatu.
The relief of Kamadhatu represents the human’s life, it describes the behaviour that still get along
with the lust. It can clearly be seen right on the low wall of the temple.
The relief of Rupadhatu represents the willingness to leave behind everything about life, and the
last relief was named as Arupadhatu, it’s only surrounded by the statues, it also represents that
human are no longer attach with anything in life, they are free from lust and ready to reach
Nirvana.
The Nuance
Along with Taj Mahal and Angkor, Borobudur makes the rest of Southeast Asia almost
magnificent. This temple has survived the grand eruption and massive earthquake that happened
in 2006. The Borobudur is probably one of the three most iconic WHS. It will be surprisingly
beautiful if you go at the Sunrise, you will see the light of the blue sky and the dark sky mixed,
with the Buddhist atmosphere. The first sight of Borobudur was a big surprised for us as we
expected Borobudur to be gigantic likes Great Stupas in Anuradhapura of Sri Lanka, but the
structure is still big enough and not totally destroy our imagination. The size of Borobudur
reminded me lesser complex of Khmer Civilization of Angkor Wat or Pyramid of Maya in Mexico.
When we approached near Borobudur, the blackish of the whole structure made we felt a bit
bore on its overall visual design. The colors of tourists’ dresses who walked on Borobudur’s
upper area were far more eye-catching! Then the guide will show you the first floor of the whole
complex which full of beautiful cravings depicting stories of Buddha and many Buddhist legends.
The quality of art is magnificent, really beautiful and in the same part of great mural of Angkor
and Ellora. If you have a moment to visit Borobudur at sunrise time, you ought to be very
surprised with the most beautiful scenery of it.
Inside the temple complex, it also has museum of the archaeology as known as museum
Karmawibangga which is located not more than 1 km from the temple. Inside the museum you
will be presented by many collection of the temple. We must remember the earthquake that
occurred in 2006, this earthquake destroys many part of the stupa, and that stupa were taken
and saved in the museum. If you still have time to go around inside the Borobudur complex, it will
be necessary to visit and come in to another historical museum, you will need extra energy to
walk to the museum that located in the west of the complex.
Samudra Raksa museum or another word as Grand Ocean museum, it shows the historical boat
of Borobudur. You should not be worried to put some cash to go into, the entrance ticket is
already charged for all of part the Borobudur complex.
Take a look behind the temple, the large and green rice field are spreading across your eyes,
some farming activities always show up every morning mostly till the end of the day. Legend
said, if you believe in magic, a great and big white palace will come up to show its magical
nuance, luckily this rare thing will happen to the one who strongly believe in myth.
Ratu Boko Temple
Settled on a hillside plateau, overlooking Prambanan temple complex and with a
view to Mount Merapi behind Prambanan Temple complex, lie the remains of a once
grand palace. The palace (kraton) is named Ratu Boko after a King Boko of local
folklore, but the real owner of the palace is more likely to have been a king of a local
dynasty.

Ratu Boko temple is located on a plateau, about three kilometres south of Lara
Jonggrang Prambanan temple complex in Yogyakarta Central Java, Indonesia.
Grand stone gates, built on two levels, are the largest and most often photographed
structures of the site, it is clear that these lead to what was once a settlement, which
sets Ratu Boko apart from the other archaeological sites in Central Java which are
entirely religious in nature.

The site covers 16 hectares in two hamlets (Dawung and Sambireja) of the village of
Bokoharjo and Prambanan. In striking contrast to other Classic-period sites in
Central Java and Yogyakarta, which are remains of temples, Ratu Boko displays
attributes of an occupation or settlement site, although its precise functions is
unknown. Probably the site was a palace complex which belongs to the kings of
Sailendra or Mataram Kingdom that also build temples scattered across Prambanan
Plain.

In 1790 the Dutchman Van Boeckholtz found ruins, and over time research was done,
and by 1838 the Dutch commenced restoration work. In 1952 the Indonesian
government took the reigns, and has continued work since then.
 Prambanan Temple Compounds
Built in the 10th century, this is the largest temple compound dedicated to Shiva in
Indonesia. Rising above the centre of the last of these concentric squares are three temples
decorated with reliefs illustrating the epic of the Ramayana, dedicated to the three great
Hindu divinities (Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma) and three temples dedicated to the animals who
serve them.
Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0
 English
 French
 Arabic
 Chinese
 Russian
 Spanish
 Japanese
 Dutch

Prambanan Temple Compounds (Indonesia) © UNESCO

Outstanding Universal Value

Brief synthesis
Prambanan Temple Compounds consist of Prambanan Temple (also called Loro
Jonggrang), Sewu Temple, Bubrah Temple and Lumbung Temple. Prambanan Temple itself
is a complex consisting of 240 temples. All the mentioned temples form the Prambanan
Archaeological Park and were built during the heyday of Sailendra’s powerful dynasty in
Java in the 8th century AD. These compounds are located on the border between the two
provinces of Yogyakarta and Central Java on Java Island.
While Loro Jonggrang, dating from the 9th century, is a brilliant example of Hindu religious
bas-reliefs, Sewu, with its four pairs of Dwarapala giant statues, is Indonesia’s largest
Buddhist complex including the temples of Lumbung, Bubrah and Asu (Gana temple). The
Hindu temples are decorated with reliefs illustrating the Indonesian version of the Ramayana
epic which are masterpieces of stone carvings. These are surrounded by hundreds of
shrines that have been arranged in three parts showing high levels of stone building
technology and architecture from the 8th century AD in Java. With over 500 temples,
Prambanan Temple Compounds represents not only an architectural and cultural treasure,
but also a standing proof of past religious peaceful cohabitation.
Criterion (i): Prambanan Temple Compounds presents the grandiose culture of Siva art as
a masterpiece of the classical period in Indonesia, and the region.
Criterion (iv): The property is an outstanding religious complex, characteristic of Siva
expression of the 10th century.
Integrity
Prambanan Temple Compounds comprises of two groups of buildings which includes Loro
Jonggrang, Sewu complexes, Lumbung, Bubrah and Asu (Gana). The 508 stone temples of
various shapes and sizes are either in a complete and preserved condition or have been
retained as ruins. This site includes all elements necessary to express its exceptional
significance and is well maintained. There are no threats of development or neglect;
however the area is prone to natural threats such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Authenticity
Prambanan Temple Compounds contains the original structures that were built in the 9th
century AD. The temples collapsed due to earthquake, volcanic eruption and a shift of
political power in the early 11th century, and they were rediscovered in the 17th century.
These compounds have never been displaced or changed. Restoration works have been
conducted since 1918, both in original traditional method of interlocking stone and modern
methods using concrete to strengthen the temple structure. Even though extensive
restoration works have been done in the past and as recently as after the 2006 earthquake,
great care has been taken to retain the authenticity of the structures.
Protection and management requirements
The property has been designated as a National Cultural Property in 1998 and the national
law issued in 2010 also supports the protection and conservation of the property.
Management of Prambanan Temple Compounds is accommodated in the Presidential
Decree of 1992 that established the 77 ha that encompasses the property under central
government ownership. This area is divided into two zones. The management of Zone 1 or
the area within the boundary is conducted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism under two
different regional offices, namely the Archaeological Preservation Office of Yogyakarta and
Central Java. The Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko Tourism Park Ltd. are responsible
for Zone 2 which comprises the buffer zone. In order to implement standard operations for
the safeguarding of the property, the government has established a regulation concerning
national vital object area. All regulations have been well enforced and implemented.
In order to improve the management of the property, government issued the law in 2007 and
government regulation of 2008 concerning national spatial planning which means that spatial
planning in World Cultural Heritage area will be prioritized. Prambanan site has been
established as one of the strategic national area which consists of Prambanan temple
Compounds and others related temple remains. To ensure the long term safeguarding of the
property, an integrated management and regulation that support preservation is needed.
The Action Plan of 2007 has been implemented with the involvement of the local
community around the property. The welfare of the local community around the property that
was affected by the earthquake of 27 May 2006, is now improving with the recovery of the
usual economic activity and especially in the creative industry sector. The Siva temple has
not been rehabilitated but research activities or technical studies of the Siva temple have
been carried out in 2010 and 2011. The results have been discussed at national and
international level with the conclusion that it is still necessary to study and research to
determine the method of handling Siva Temple, including monitoring through seismograph
study and crack meter periodically.
 Borobudur Temple Compounds
This famous Buddhist temple, dating from the 8th and 9th centuries, is located in central
Java. It was built in three tiers: a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces, the
trunk of a cone with three circular platforms and, at the top, a monumental stupa. The walls
and balustrades are decorated with fine low reliefs, covering a total surface area of 2,500 m2.
Around the circular platforms are 72 openwork stupas, each containing a statue of the
Buddha. The monument was restored with UNESCO's help in the 1970s.
Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0
 English
 French
 Arabic
 Chinese
 Russian
 Spanish
 Japanese
 Dutch

Borobudur Temple Compounds (Indonesia) © UNESCO

Outstanding Universal Value
Brief synthesis
The Borobudur Temple Compounds is one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world,
and was built in the 8th and 9th centuries AD during the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty. The
monument is located in the Kedu Valley, in the southern part of Central Java, at the centre of
the island of Java, Indonesia.
The main temple is a stupa built in three tiers around a hill which was a natural centre: a
pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces, the trunk of a cone with three circular
platforms and, at the top, a monumental stupa. The walls and balustrades are decorated
with fine low reliefs, covering a total surface area of 2,520 m2. Around the circular platforms
are 72 openwork stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha.
The vertical division of Borobudur Temple into base, body, and superstructure perfectly
accords with the conception of the Universe in Buddhist cosmology. It is believed that the
universe is divided into three superimposing spheres, kamadhatu, rupadhatu,
and arupadhatu, representing respectively the sphere of desires where we are bound to our
desires, the sphere of forms where we abandon our desires but are still bound to name and
form, and the sphere of formlessnesswhere there is no longer either name or form. At
Borobudur Temple, the kamadhatu is represented by the base, the rupadhatu by the five
square terraces, and the arupadhatu by the three circular platforms as well as the big stupa.
The whole structure shows a unique blending of the very central ideas of ancestor worship,
related to the idea of a terraced mountain, combined with the Buddhist concept of attaining
Nirvana.
The Temple should also be seen as an outstanding dynastic monument of the Syailendra
Dynasty that ruled Java for around five centuries until the 10th century.
The Borobudur Temple Compounds consists of three monuments: namely the Borobudur
Temple and two smaller temples situatued to the east on a straight axis to Borobudur. The
two temples are Mendut Temple, whose depiction of Buddha is represented by a formidable
monolith accompanied by two Bodhisattvas, and Pawon Temple, a smaller temple whose
inner space does not reveal which deity might have been the object of worship. Those three
monuments represent phases in the attainment of Nirvana.
The temple was used as a Buddhist temple from its construction until sometime between the
10th and 15th centuries when it was abandoned. Since its re-discovery in the 19th century
and restoration in the 20th century, it has been brought back into a Buddhist archaeological
site.
Criterion (i): Borobudur Temple Compounds with its stepped, unroofed pyramid consisting
of ten superimposing terraces, crowned by a large bell-shaped dome is a harmonious
marriage of stupas, temple and mountain that is a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture and
monumental arts.
Criterion (ii): Borobudur Temple Compounds is an outstanding example of Indonesia’s art
and architecture from between the early 8th and late 9th centuries that exerted considerable
influence on an architectural revival between the mid-13th and early 16th centuries.
Criterion (vi): Laid out in the form of a lotus, the sacred flower of Buddha, Borobudur
Temple Compounds is an exceptional reflection of a blending of the very central idea of
indigenous ancestor worship and the Buddhist concept of attaining Nirvana. The ten
mounting terraces of the entire structure correspond to the successive stages that the
Bodhisattva has to achieve before attaining to Buddhahood.
Integrity
The boundaries contain the three temples that include the imaginary axis between them.
Although the visual links are no longer open, the dynamic function between the three
monuments, Borobudur Temple, Mendut Temple, and Pawon Temple is maintained.
The main threat to the ensemble is from development that could compromise the
extraordinary relationship between the main monument and its wider setting and could also
affect the Outstanding Universal Value of the property. The approach to the property has to
a degree already been compromised by weak developmental regulations.
Tourism also exerts considerable pressure on the property and its hinterland.
There is a growing rate of deterioration of the building stone, the cause of which needs
further research. There is also a small degree of damage caused by unsupervised visitors.
The eruption of Mount Merapi is also considered as one of the potential threats because of
its deposit acidic ash as happened in 2010.
Authenticity
The original materials were used to reconstruct the temple in two phases in the 20th century:
after the turn of the century and more recently (1973-1983). Mostly original materials were
used with some additions to consolidate the monument and ensure proper drainage which
has not had any significant adverse impact on the value of the property. Though the present
state of Borobudur Temple is the result of restorations, it retained more than enough original
material when re-discovered to make a reconstruction possible.
Nowadays the property could be used as a Buddhist pilgrimage site. Its overall atmosphere
is, however, to a certain degree compromised by the lack of control of commercial activities
and the pressure resulting from the lack of an adequate tourism management strategy.
Protection and management requirements
The protection of the property is performed under Indonesian Law No. 11/2010 concerning
Cultural Heritage and its surrounding cultural landscape. It is executed under a National
Strategic Area and the Spatial Management Plan by the Ministry of Public Works in
accordance with the Law concerning Spatial Management No. 26/2007 and Governmental
Regulation No. 26/2008 concerning National Spatial Planning and will be enforced further by
another presidential regulation regarding the Management for the Borobudur National
Strategic Area that is still being drafted by the Ministry of Public Works.
The legal and institutional framework for the effective management of the property is
regulated by a Presidential Decree Number 1 Year 1992. The established zones within the
World Heritage property are respectively under the responsibility of the Borobudur Heritage
Conservation Office under Ministry of Education and Culture, of state-owned institute PT.
Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur under the Ministry of Enterprises, and of the local
governments (Magelang Regency and Central Java Province). A study on the integrated
management of Borobudur Temple Compounds has been conducted, including attention for
the ecosystem, social and cultural aspects, ecotourism, public and private partnership and
organisational feasibility study. This study is the basis of the still to be developed visitor
management approach.
In order to ensure consistency between the 1992 Presidential Decree and the 1972 JICA
Master Plan zone-system indicated in the World Heritage nomination dossier and to
strengthen the regulations regarding development, a New Presidential Regulation is still
being formulated by a Coordinating Board (14 Ministries and local authorities as well as
representatives of local communities) and by formalizing the role of the proposed
Management Board into the wider zones. In addition, the protection of the property has been
ensured by the regular financial contribution by the national budget.
Monitoring programs has been effectively executed to monitor the growing rate of
deterioration of building stone and also damage by unsupervised visitors. A research is
being conducted to determine the long- term impact of deposit acidic ash of eruption of
Mount Merapi to set further protection and conservation management of the property.
Furthermore, a risk preparedness plan will be formulated in 2012.
The Borobudur Heritage Conservation Office has conducted community development
programs targeting especially at the youth to raise their awareness. In improving and
empowering local community as specialist guide for Borobudur Temple Compounds, several
training programs have been conducted. The community development related to economical
sector (small enterprises that produce traditional handicrafts, culinaries, etc) have already
being conducted by the municipalities of Magelang Regency and Central Java Province.