Borobudur Temple 'Chatra' Installation Awaits Comprehensive Study

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has confirmed that the process of installing a chatra on the main stupa of Borobudur Temple is still awaiting the completion of a comprehensive study, a step taken as part of the government’s commitment to prioritising cultural heritage conservation in accordance with prevailing regulations. Director General of Buddhist Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Supriyadi, stated in Magelang on Friday that the government continues to make various efforts guided by regulations and conservation principles. The necessary studies have been conducted and are currently entering the refinement stage. “We, from the Ministry of Religious Affairs together with the Ministry of Culture, always make efforts that comply with the provisions. Conservation is the main priority. The required studies have been properly organised, and we are now just refining the results. Hopefully, the process will be completed soon so that the results can be published to the public,” he said. He conveyed that every published study result must refer to credible and accountable sources. This is considered important so that the information delivered to the public has a strong scientific basis, rather than using unverified references. Furthermore, he said the government also continues to promote cultural diplomacy, including maintaining good communication with UNESCO. It is hoped that this communication will proceed smoothly so that the effort to place the chatra on the main stupa of Borobudur Temple, as part of the interests of the Buddhist community, can be realised in accordance with applicable procedures and provisions. Nevertheless, he said, the government stressed that the process cannot be carried out hastily. The completion of a thorough study remains the main prerequisite so that every decision taken continues to prioritise the principle of cultural heritage preservation. “The installation of the chatra must still wait because the study process is not yet fully complete. Therefore, the study must be truly prioritised so that the conservation aspect remains the main priority in every step taken,” he said.