Langka Moment: French President Macron Touches Buddha Statue At The Peak Of Borobudur Temple

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon recounted the moment when French President Emmanuel Macron reached or touched a Buddhist statue in one of the stupas during his visit to Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java, Thursday (29/5).

Fadli said that he accompanied President Prabowo Subianto, President Macron, Brigitte Macron and several members of the delegation during a visit to Borobudur Temple.

"I accompanied President Macron, with President Prabowo. He was very impressed with Borobudur Temple and toured also to meet monks and Bhante-Bhanante above," said Fadli Zon when met in the courtyard of Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java, Thursday.

President Macron is said to be enjoying a visit around Borobudur Temple, although it seems too short a time.

On the other hand, President Macron really appreciates this visit because he was accompanied by President Prabowo to reach the top stupa level of Borobudur Temple, as well as try one of the traditions on the historic site, which is to touch the Buddhist statue in the stupa.

"Together with President Prabowo to reach the top stupa, enjoy traveling around, see reliefs, see temples and also try to reach the Buddhist statue in one of the stupas," said Fadli.

President Macron also managed to touch the part of the Buddhist body which was covered by a stupa, said Fadli.

Fadli added that the two heads of state used elevators to reach the top level of Borobudur Temple.

This series of activities in Magelang, from the Military Academy to Borobudur Temple, is the closing of President Macron's official visit to Indonesia from 27-29 May 2025.

Indonesia is one of the destinations of President Macron's state trip countries in the Indo-Pacific region, after Vietnam. After visiting Indonesia, Macron continued his trip to Singapore.