Discourse On Rp

A Buddhist monk on a pilgrimage to Borobudur Temple welcomes Vesak 2560 BE-2016. (Antara-Andreas FA)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the DPP PKB Daniel Johan asked the government to consider the purchasing power of the people, especially Buddhists who want to worship at Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java.

The government is known to plan to impose a new tariff for domestic tourists who want to go up the Borobudur Temple building, which will be charged Rp. 750 thousand, while foreign tourists are USD 100.

"Pak Luhut's vision is good in principle, but don't hit the Kromo. There are still many rural and incompetent Buddhists, it's a shame they can't pay homage to their Great Guru," he said in a statement in Jakarta, Tuesday, June 7.

According to him, Borobudur Temple is very sacred for Buddhists, and the sacredness and sanctity of Borobudur Temple are recognized by Buddhists in the world.

"Meanwhile, for Buddhists, Borobudur is something very very sacred, like a Muslim friend to the Kaaba. Borobudur is the world's largest mandala, which is sacred and sanctified by the world's Buddhists," he told Antara.

Therefore, he pushed for a plan to increase the entrance fee to Borobudur Temple in collaboration with a number of parties such as scientists and Buddhist leaders.

The member of Commission IV of the House of Representatives hopes that the policy must consider the right of worship for Buddhists, because restrictions are necessary but the government must consult with the sangha led by Buddhist clerics and archaeologists.

Previously, the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Pandjaitan, said the government plans to impose a new tariff for Borobudur Temple tickets.

Soon Luhut again gave a statement that the government would open up the opportunity to review the IDR 750,000 tariff for domestic tourists to go up to the Borobudur Temple building.

Luhut admitted that he was worried about the input from the public regarding the tariffs for local tourists which were considered too high.

"I heard a lot of public input today regarding the discourse on increasing tariffs for local tourists. Therefore, later I will ask the relevant parties to immediately review so that the rates can be lowered. I thank all of you for your great attention to the cultural heritage of our pride," he said, in a written statement, in Jakarta, Sunday, June 5.

He said that the tariff plan that has emerged at this time is not final, because it will still be discussed and decided by the President next week.