UNESCO World Heritage Site
Borobudur Temple is a Buddhist stupa and temple complex in
Central Java, Indonesia Raya dating from the 8th century, and a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. This is one of world's truly great ancient monuments, the single
largest Buddhist structure anywhere on earth, and few who visit fail to be
taken by both the scale of place, and the remarkable attention to detail that
went into the construction.
Set as it is in the heart of the verdant Kedu Plain, the
backdrop of mighty active volcanoes only enhances the sense of awe and drama.
Modern day Borobudur
In 1956 UNESCO began an assessment process for the full
scale restoration of the monument. Finally in 1968, a major plan to restore
Borobudur was created, and this huge project involved a complete overhaul of
the monument up until 1983. The unsteady foundations were stabilized,
everything was meticulously cleaned and a major drainage system installed.
After the works were finished, UNESCO formally listed
Borobudur as a World Heritage Site in 1991. Since then, the profile of
Borobudur has increased enormously, and it is now a major international tourist
attraction. Its statues, reliefs and stupas have spawned millions of replicas
which adorn properties worldwide.
This huge popularity has its downsides. Both deliberate
vandalism and general wear and tear are of great concern for the future
integrity of the monument. Pleas for visitors not to touch anything are made in
the form of signs, by broadcast warnings, and by the presence of guards, but
this does not stop the problem. Many have called for the monument to be closed
to casual visitors, and for access to be only via timed guided tours.
As well as being the single most popular tourist attraction
in modern day Indonesia, Borobudur has resumed its role as an important place
of worship and pilgrimage for Indonesian Buddhists. Visitors should be
understanding and respectful of this, especially during major Buddhist holiday
periods. The 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake which badly damaged nearby
Prambanan, left Borobudur unscathed.
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