InJourney Boss Says Borobudur Temple Has A Significant Impact On Regional Economy

JAKARTA - PT Aviasi Wisata Indonesia (Persero) or InJourney through its subsidiary, InJourney Destination Management (IDM) as the manager of Borobudur Temple moved the local economy during the Vesak celebration at Borobudur Temple, Central Java.

InJourney President Director Maya Watono said that the 2025 Vesak implementation had contributed to the high occupancy of lodging in the area around Borobudur, starting from simple homestays owned by residents in Ngaran II Village to five-star hotels such as Le Temple which were fully recorded.

"InJourney hopes that the presence of Borobudur Temple will have a significant positive impact on the regional economy. This is an initiation that InJourney has always emphasized, namely that every existing tourism destination must be able to provide a multiplier effect for the surrounding economy," Maya said as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, May 14.

IDM also involves MSMEs to make Waisak a success, so that the economic impact on the local economy starts from culinary MSMEs, crafts, to tourism service providers get blessings from the 2025 Vesak celebration at Borobudur Temple.

It was recorded that more than 2,000 MSMEs were involved to make Vesak 2025 a success. In addition, tourism service actors also received blessings during the Vesak implementation. A total of 600 units of VW Safari are active in serving tourists who tour the Borobudur area. This figure has increased dramatically compared to normal days.

Director of InJourney Destination Management Febrina Intan said that her party was focusing on social and economic impacts.

"We have to build a healthy and sustainable tourism ecosystem, not those that prioritize personal interests," said Febrina.

The chairman of the Homestay Village Association, Borobudur Muslih, said that a total of 152 homestay rooms in his village were fully occupied a month before Vesak.

Room reservations have started in February and peaked in April. About 200 prospective guests who did not get a room were directed to another homestay in the Borobudur District which has around 400 units and 800-1,000 rooms.

Homestay managers also agreed not to increase the tariff, namely still IDR 350,000 (AC) and IDR 250,000 (non-AC).

In terms of local craftsmen, the demand for upanat sandals also increased during the Vesak period.

Chairman of the Upanat Manpower Association Muh Zamzani said the production of the upanat has been able to boost the local economy.

To empower the local community, collaborating with the Borobudur Conservation Center also held training programs for the manufacture of upanat sandals to a number of craftsmen.

In addition, IDM also involves local workers to support various things ranging from logistics, welcoming, service, to event management. At this year's Vesak, IDM involved more than 2,000 local workers to support the implementation of the 2025 Waisak.