Regarding The Urgency Of Escalators Installed In Borobudur, Palace: French President's Time Is Limited

Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) Hasan Nasbi when delivering clarification on the installation of an escalator at Borobudur Temple at the PCO Gambir Office, Central Jakarta, Monday (26/5/2025). ANTARA/Andi Firdaus.

JAKARTA - Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) Hasan Nasbi said the government took the installation of non-permanent escalators at Borobudur Temple based on requests from the French Government during President Emmanuel Macron's official visit.

Hasan said the facilities prepared by the government were temporary means of assistance to support the smooth state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to the world heritage site.

"Our government, on the 28th or 29th of this month, will receive state visits from very important countries. French countries. This is certainly very important for Indonesia," he said when asked about the virality of this matter on social media, in a statement at the PCO Gambir office, Jakarta, Monday, May 26, which was confiscated by Antara.

According to Hasan, President Macron's visit will be accompanied directly by President Prabowo Subianto.

As part of the agenda for state visits, Hasan said, the government wants to ensure that state guests can optimally access and enjoy the beauty and splendor of Borobudur Temple, even with a limited time.

"Borobudur's condition is approximately 12 floors high. So, the President of France is certainly on state visits for a limited time," Hasan said.

Karerna itu, pemerintah menyiapkan dua fasilitas pendukung, yakni ramp atau jalur llamp hingga level ke keempat, serta pencega lift, seperti kursi bantu naik yang dipasang di sisi tangga, untuk mencapai level atas hingga lantai kebeluh atau kebelian.

Hasan stated that all installations were carried out with strict conservation principles.

"It was all built under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and there were no nails, no drills. So just put it down. Sit it down, put it down. So later when for example it is finished, it can be dismantled easily," he explained.

He also emphasized that all processes were carried out under the supervision of the competent authorities to ensure the preservation of cultural heritage was maintained.

This explanation was conveyed by Hasan to reduce public concerns over the speculation that has developed on social media regarding the potential for cultural heritage damage.

A video circulating widely on social media, particularly platform X, shows the installation of iron plates and wooden boards on the steps of Borobudur Temple.

The activity sparked public attention because it was said to be part of preparations for installing escalators ahead of President Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron's visit.

This video was then reported by various local media and also became a conversation in the digital space.