MAGELANG - The Unfinished Buddha or Mbah Bhelet statue was moved from the Karmawibhangga Museum to Kenari Square, the Borobudur Temple area, Magelang. This move was made so that the statue would be more easily accessible to the public, tourists, and pilgrims ahead of the Tri Suci Waisak on May 31, 2026.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon was present at the Ageng Boyongan Mbah Bhelet Ritual, Sunday, May 3. He said that the relocation of the statue had been discussed with artists, cultural figures, local figures, as well as bante and monks.
"Hopefully, the placement of this sculpture in Kenari Square can present a stronger cultural and spiritual value, as well as make it more accessible," said Fadli.
The Unfinished Buddha statue was once in the ground under the main stupa of Borobudur Temple. After that, the statue was kept in the Karmawibhangga Museum before being moved to a new location in the Borobudur area.
Fadli said the traditional procession accompanying the transfer of the statue showed the community's involvement in preserving cultural heritage. The procession includes the Wayang Ruwat performance by Ki Dalang Darmo Widjoyo and prayers led by local religious figures.
"With this tradition, we see a journey, a spiritual journey, which aims to get blessings and goodness," he said.
According to the Ministry of Culture, this sculpture is said to be unfinished because the carving is not perfect. This condition opens up room for scientific and archaeological studies, as well as showing the uniqueness of civilization in the Borobudur area.
Fadli menargetkan penataan pedestal dan patung selesai sebelum perayaan Tri Suci Waisak.
"We encourage that the pedestal and statue can be completed immediately before the Tri Suci Waisak celebration on May 31, 2026," said Fadli.
The activity was attended by the ranks of the Candi Tourism Park, the Borobudur Village Custom Institution, customary figures, cultural figures, and officials from the Ministry of Culture.
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