Waisak at Borobudur, Fadli Zon Talks about the Heritage of Civilization

Fadli Zon emphasized that Borobudur Temple should not be seen only as an old building or a tourist destination. (IST)

MAGELANG - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that Borobudur Temple should not be seen only as an old building or a tourist destination. Borobudur, said Fadli, is a world cultural heritage as well as a sacred space for Buddhists.

The message was conveyed by Fadli in the National Dharma Santhi Tri Suci Waisak 2570 BE/2026 at Lumbini Park, Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Sunday, May 31.

The 2026 National Vesak celebration carries the theme "Dharma as a Source of Morality and Wisdom" with the sub-theme "Love is the Source of World Peace". Borobudur in the celebration is not only seen as a historical site, but also a spiritual space and a symbol of peace.

In a video message, Fadli called Vesak an important day for Buddhists around the world. More than 25 centuries ago, three great events occurred in the life of the Buddha, namely the birth of Prince Siddharta, the achievement of perfect enlightenment, and Parinibbana.

"These three events are one straight line of journey, from search to enlightenment, then to liberation," said Fadli.

Fadli Zon with Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar and Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana at Borobudur Temple. (IST)

Fadli said Borobudur contains traces of a long journey of the human soul towards enlightenment. Therefore, the preservation of Borobudur is not enough to be seen only from the physical side of the building.

"Borobudur is not just a monument and relief. It is the physical embodiment of the inner journey of man towards enlightenment," said Fadli.

According to Fadli, taking care of Borobudur means maintaining the memory of civilization. He ensured that the government would continue to maintain Borobudur as a world cultural heritage and a place of worship for Buddhists.

Chairman of the National Vesak Committee 2026, Hartati Murdaya, expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Culture for supporting the implementation of Buddhist worship in the Borobudur Temple area. According to Hartarti, the support is important because Borobudur is not only a world cultural heritage, but also a spiritual space for Buddhists.

Hartati also touched on the continued cooperation with the Ministry of Culture in preserving Buddhist heritage in Indonesia, including the restoration of the historic area of Muaro Jambi.

"We express our deepest gratitude to the Minister of Culture for the support and enthusiasm given in supporting the implementation of Buddhist worship in the Borobudur Temple cultural area, as well as ongoing cooperation in efforts to restore the Buddhist historical area in Muaro Jambi," said Hartati.

According to Hartati, Muaro Jambi has an important value in the history of Buddhism in Nusantara. The area is known as one of the centers of Buddhist learning in the 7th to 13th century Sriwijaya Kingdom.

The great monk from India, Atisha Dipangkara, is said to have studied Buddhist teachings to Mahaguru Dharmakirti in the area.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka who was present at the event conveyed his appreciation to Buddhists. He assessed that Buddhists also maintain social harmony through humanitarian activities, education, health, and community empowerment.

"The celebration of Vesak at Borobudur is not only a religious celebration, but also a strong symbol of Indonesian diversity and unity," said Gibran.

Gibran also touched on the values of metta or love, karuna or compassion, and panna or wisdom. According to Gibran, these values remain relevant in the midst of an increasingly complex life.

The night at Borobudur was closed with a drone show that tells the story of the life of the Buddha or Jataka. The event was also filled with the release of peace lanterns in the Borobudur Temple area.

For Buddhists, the lanterns are not just a tradition. The lanterns are interpreted as a symbol of letting go of greed, anger, and inner ignorance. From Borobudur, prayers for peace and enlightenment are released back to the sky.

A number of officials attended the event, including Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security Djamari Chaniago, Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar, Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, and Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya. Bhikkhu Sangha, Romo, Pendeta, and the Ministry of Culture were also present.