JAKARTA - The government is opening up opportunities to use cutting-edge digital technology to expand the promotion of Borobudur Temple to the world stage. One of the things being explored is the development of an immersive exhibition, an interactive exhibition based on digital technology that presents visual experiences and virtual spaces for visitors, through cooperation with FAS CAMLab Harvard and the Tzu Chi Indonesia Buddhist Foundation.
The plan emerged in a meeting between Minister of Culture Fadli Zon with representatives of FAS CAMLab Harvard and the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation Indonesia in Jakarta, Thursday (18/6).
According to Fadli, Borobudur is not only a world heritage site, but also holds the wealth of Buddhist history and civilization that can be used as an instrument of Indonesian cultural diplomacy.
"Borobudur has a lot of potential to be explored. We can work together to promote Borobudur as a landmark and a living heritage to the global community," said Fadli.
The government considers the use of technology to be one way to expand public access to cultural heritage, which until now can only be enjoyed directly at the location.
In addition to Borobudur, Fadli highlighted a number of other Buddhist sites scattered in various areas, such as Mendut Temple, Plaosan Temple, to the Muara Jambi Temple complex.
According to Fadli, Muara Jambi has great potential to develop as a cultural ecosystem center because it is one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in Indonesia.
During the meeting, the Ministry of Culture also discussed the opportunities for digitizing Buddhist manuscripts and translating them into Indonesian and English. The program is considered important to expand access to knowledge while supporting the preservation of Buddhist intellectual heritage in the archipelago.
The government also opened the opportunity to compile a comprehensive book on Buddhist manuscripts through collaboration with the Harvard archaeological team.
FAS CAMLab Harvard is known as a research center that develops the preservation and digital interpretation of Mahayana Buddhist sites. This institution utilizes three-dimensional scanning technology, photogrammetry, and architectural reconstruction to present virtual experiences and interactive exhibitions for the public.
Through this cooperation, the government hopes that Indonesian cultural sites will not only be physically maintained, but also increasingly accessible to the global community through digital platforms.
Fadli said cross-agency collaboration and the use of technology could be a strategic step to strengthen Indonesia's position in international cultural diplomacy while reviving the historical and spiritual values contained in the Nusantara Buddhist cultural heritage.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
