Borobudur Not Just a Background Event, "Borobudur in Harmony" Offered as an Annual Agenda
JAKARTA - Borobudur Temple is again at a crossroads. It is guarded as a spiritual space and world heritage. Or used as a stage for a moment's event. In a meeting at the Ministry of Culture, Monday (2/3), Svida Alisjahbana offered the concept of "Borobudur in Harmony". The goal is clear, namely Borobudur is treated as a living heritage. Not just a monument to be photographed.
Svida said the idea came after there was an offer to hold a fashion week at Borobudur. He refused. According to him, Borobudur is a spiritual space. Its dignity must be maintained.
"Borobudur in Harmony" is designed as an annual agenda. There are three pillars. Conference (Mind), Festival (Body), and Community Engagement (Spirit). The conference is proposed as a global forum. Participants are international experts, academics, artists, and practitioners. The theme is diverse. Starting with the harmony of performing arts. Then wellness as a human infrastructure. Including the exploration of herbal medicine as a sacred elixir.
The festival pillar contains cultural and wellness activations. It is immersive. There is a sunrise ritual. There are creative workshops and laboratories. There are art performances. Also sunset sound healing with a temple background. The third pillar emphasizes the involvement of the local community. Cultural guardians are involved. The impact is expected to be sustainable. The economic benefits must also be felt by the surrounding residents.
Svida emphasized that the three pillars are interrelated. The conference gives birth to ideas. The festival gives real experience. The community takes care of the long-term impact. He wants the world to come to "experience". Not just "see". Rama Soeprapto, who accompanied Svida, assessed that Indonesia has a big narrative. But it has not been strong enough to be brought to the global stage. He alluded to the example of other countries. Their cultural sites can be a world-class art stage.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon stated that he supported the activation of cultural heritage. The condition is strict, namely it must be beneficial to the surrounding residents. And strengthen the cultural economy. He reminded Borobudur has many stakeholders. Including the management of cross-institutional zones. The government, he said, also prioritizes strategic steps. One of them is the plan to install chattra. The goal is to strengthen Borobudur as a place of worship for the world's Buddhists.
Fadli encourages activation throughout the year. Don't just be busy during Vesak. He also opened collaboration with private and state-owned enterprises. Financing support is possible. But local residents must be involved. And must have an economic impact.