Borobudur, a breathtaking 9th-century Buddhist temple nestled in the lush Kedu Valley of Central Java, Indonesia, is poised for a notable tourism surge. The temple, one of the world’s largest Buddhist monuments, measuring an impressive 123 x 123 meters [[2]], is already a popular destination, attracting over a million domestic and international visitors annually. Now, with enterprising plans for expansion and promotion, Borobudur is aiming even higher.
PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur (TWC), the state-owned company managing the temple, has set a bold target of 1.7 million visitors for 2025. This ambitious goal reflects a commitment to not only showcasing the temple’s historical importance but also developing the surrounding area into a vibrant tourism hub. “We have been tasked with developing Zone 3, which includes the Borobudur Village of art,” explained Mardijono Nugroho, TWC’s Director of Operations and Infrastructure Progress.
The temple’s allure extends beyond its architectural grandeur. The recent year-end holidays saw visitor numbers peak at approximately 11,000 on December 29th. In 2024, Borobudur welcomed roughly 1.3 million tourists, representing 87 percent of the initial target of 1.5 million. Of these, a significant 200,000 were international visitors, highlighting the temple’s global appeal. The Indonesian government has designated Borobudur as one of the nation’s super-priority tourism destinations, underscoring its importance to the national economy.
TWC’s plans extend beyond simply increasing visitor numbers. Nugroho emphasized the importance of collaboration with local stakeholders to maximize the temple’s potential and stimulate the local economy. The company is actively developing Zones 4 and 5 of the Borobudur Temple Complex to further enhance the visitor experiance and attract even more tourists. The first five visitors of 2025 were even given a special welcome, including a ride in a traditional Javanese horse cart, known as an andong, showcasing the cultural richness of the region.
For U.S. travelers seeking a unique and enriching cultural experience, Borobudur offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Its inclusion on manny “must-see” lists for Southeast Asia travel underscores its global significance. The temple’s ambitious growth plans promise an even more immersive and unforgettable experience for future visitors.
The ongoing development and promotion of Borobudur reflect a broader trend in global tourism: the increasing focus on sustainable and culturally sensitive travel experiences. This commitment to preserving the historical integrity of the site while concurrently boosting the local economy offers a model for other historical destinations worldwide.
borobudur Temple: Ancient Wonder Prepares for a Tourism Boom
With aspiring expansion plans and a growing global reputation as a must-see destination, Borobudur Temple is poised to welcome even more visitors in the coming years.
Interview with Dr. Siti Aminah,Southeast Asian Antiquities Expert
world-today News Senior Editor: Dr. Aminah, thank you for joining us today. Borobudur Temple is already a hugely significant ancient site. Can you tell our readers a bit about its fascinating history and architectural grandeur?
Dr. Siti Aminah: It’s my pleasure. Borobudur, built in the 9th century, is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the world, showcasing exquisite Javanese architecture. Imagine a vast, symmetrical structure composed of thousands of volcanic stone blocks, rising in tiers towards a central stupa. Each level is adorned with intricate relief panels depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and Buddhist cosmology.
World-Today News Senior Editor: The temple certainly attracts a large number of visitors.What are the recent visitor statistics,and how is PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur (TWC) aiming to increase these numbers further?
Dr.Siti Aminah: Borobudur welcomed over 1.3 million tourists in 2024, with a considerable portion being international visitors. TWC, the managing company, has set an ambitious goal of 1.7 million visitors for 2025. They’re focusing on developing surrounding areas like Borobudur Village, creating new attractions, and enhancing visitor experiences to achieve this target.
World-today News Senior Editor: These progress plans are extraordinary. can you elaborate on how TWC is aiming to balance tourism growth with preserving the historical integrity of the site?
Dr. Siti Aminah: TWC is careful to prioritize lasting tourism. They are collaborating with local communities,artisans,and cultural organizations to ensure that the development benefits the region while respecting Borobudur’s unique heritage. They are also focusing on eco-friendly practices and responsible visitor management.
World-Today News Senior Editor: Borobudur has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. How significant is this recognition, and what does it mean for the future of the temple?
Dr. Siti Aminah: This designation highlights the temple’s global importance and emphasizes the need for its protection.UNESCO status offers access to international expertise, funding opportunities for conservation efforts, and increased global visibility, which further reinforces Borobudur’s position as a leading travel destination.
World-Today News Senior Editor: For our readers planning a trip to southeast Asia, what advice would you give for experiencing Borobudur to the fullest?
Dr. Siti Aminah: Arrive early to witness the sunrise casting a golden hue over the temple – it’s truly magical. Allow ample time to explore the intricate reliefs and learn about the Buddhist symbolism.consider taking a guided tour to delve deeper into the temple’s history and significance.
World-Today News Senior Editor: Thank you for sharing your invaluable insights, Dr. Aminah.
Dr. Siti Aminah: my pleasure. Borobudur is a truly remarkable site, and I encourage everyone to experience its beauty and cultural richness firsthand.
