Hanoi (VNA) – The Indonesian government is currently spearheading the transformation of the Borobudur Buddhist temple into a global religious tourism destination.
Constructed in the 8th century under the Syailendra dynasty, Borobudur is considered one of the most revered spiritual sites for Buddhist devotees in the country. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
In an interview on May 22, State tourism holding company InJourney's Director of Marketing and Tourism Program Maya Watono revealed that the Borobudur complex is undergoing comprehensive renovation, including landscape enhancements, infrastructure upgrades, and redesigning of spiritual tourism packages, to cater not only to Buddhist pilgrims but also to tourists in general.
The country plans to establish cultural and educational facilities within the complex, offering courses to enhance understanding of Buddhism. Notably, the government is also eyeing the opening of direct flights from Buddhist hubs such as Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur to Yogyakarta. These projects are scheduled to be implemented between now and the end of the year.
The first major event in this scheme is the celebration of Vesak at the temple on May 23, expected to attract 15,000-20,000 Buddhist pilgrims. Related events will continue throughout the weekend, with an estimated attendance of around 50,000 people./.
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