Encourage Local Economy And Inclusive Access, Integrated Borobudur Temple

JAKARTA Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of managing the maximum of Borobudur Temple to drive the local economy. He also highlighted the need to rearrange the regional ecosystem, including access for persons with disabilities.

The statement was made after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Culture and PT Aviasi Wisata Indonesia (InJourney) at the Indonesian Danantara Office, Jakarta, Wednesday, July 30. This collaboration is a strategic step in realizing the integrated management of Borobudur Temple as an inclusive and sustainable cultural and spiritual tourist destination.

Good management will have a direct impact on the economy of local residents. We also need to organize accessibility so that all levels of society can enjoy this site," said Menbud Fadli Zon.

The memorandum of understanding includes the management of cultural heritage areas, human resource development, and data exchange. This collaboration also marks the application of the concept of single destination management in the Borobudur area.

The signing was carried out by the Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection, Restu Gunawan, and the Managing Director of InJourney, Maya Watono. Present witnessed, including COO Danantara Dony Oskaria and Director of InJourney Destination Management Febrina Intan.

Menbud Fadli also mentioned the potential of other cultural sites such as Leang-Leang in Maros, Muna Island, to sites in West Sumatra that have not been maximally exploited due to budget constraints. We need a public-private cooperation scheme," he said.

He emphasized that a collaborative approach is needed so that cultural heritage becomes a dynamic living heritage and empowers the community.

One example of using culture in tourism is the 'Borobudur Sunrise' program, which allows tourists to enjoy the sunrise from the peak of the temple since 4 am.

President Director of InJourney Maya Watono stated that the management of Borobudur is not just an operation, but a cross-generational responsibility. We want Borobudur not only to be beautiful, but also to have a real impact on local residents," he said.

Meanwhile, COO Danantara Dony Oskaria emphasized that performance indicators are no longer just a matter of profit. Our main goal is to improve people's welfare. This collaboration supports more effective management," he said.

Also present were the ranks of the Ministry of Culture, including Secretary General Bambang Wibawarta and Special Staff of the Minister of Education and Culture M. Asrian Mirza. This collaboration is expected to be a new milestone in balancing the preservation and utilization of cultural heritage for the advancement of the national economy and culture.