FGD Chattra Borobudur Temple, Ministry Of Culture Asks For Decisions Based On Data And Studies

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon received souvenirs at the FGD Chattra event of Borobudur Temple. (IST)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Culture held a Discussion on Group Terpun discussed plans to re-install Chattra Candi Borobudur at the Ministry of Culture Building, Jakarta, Wednesday, December 3. This forum gathers archaeologists, Buddhist leaders, BRIN, academics, regional managers, local governments, as well as representatives of UNESCO and ICOMOS to collect cross-expert input before the government determines policy directions.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that the issue of chattra is not a new discourse and has been discussed since the 19th century. "There are many interpretations and differences of opinion. This FGD is to hear all aspirations," he said. He emphasized the need for a multidisciplinary approach so that Borobudur is seen as a Cultural Conservation and a living cultural space.

Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Archaeological Experts (IAAI), Marsis Soetopo, explained the history of chattra reconstruction and emphasized that new reconstruction can only be carried out after a thorough technical study and application of Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA). The chairman of the Ruwat Rawat Borobudur Foundation, Sucoro Setrodiharjo, reminded the potential for social risks if the installation affects structural stability and has an impact on visiting restrictions.

WALUBI through Karuna Murdaya expressed the support of Buddhists throughout the decision to provide benefits to the spirituality and the surrounding community. TWC President Director, Febby Intan, said that regional managers are ready to follow the government's decision. In contrast, the Cultural Heritage Advocacy Society (MADYA) highlighted the limitations of archaeological evidence and the need for multidisciplinal technical research and adaptive regional management.

Archaeological practitioner Daud Aris Tanudirjo emphasized the international consequences of every change in Borobudur structure and the importance of official consultation with UNESCO. Head of the UNESCO Jakarta Cultural Unit, Moe Chiba, asked for the involvement of the international Buddhist community and an in-depth study related to conservation and the meaning of inequality. The chairman of ICOMOS Indonesia, Soehardi Hartono, reminded of risks that could affect the authenticity and integrity of the world heritage.

The BRIN team through Ilham Hatta explained the results of the analysis of the parent stupa structure which is considered capable of holding chattra, but still requires detailed DED and technical evaluation so as not to cause long-term impacts. The representative of the Ehipassiko Foundation, Handaka Vijjananda, emphasized the philosophical meaning of chattra as an important element of stupa which symbolizes protection.

Closing the discussion, Minister Fadli emphasized that all inputs would be the basis for government recommendations. He said that the installation of chattra has the potential to strengthen Borobudur's spiritual function and encourage the cultural economy of the surrounding community.