Borobudur Temple Digitally Preserved in 3D via Project Eternal

Borobudur Temple is now part of a next-generation 3D digital documentation initiative through Project Eternal, enabling the historic site to be preserved as a detailed, interactive, and virtual-explorable digital space.

Project Eternal is a global collaboration between Antigravity and Insta360 focused on immersive preservation of spaces and cultural heritage. This approach allows Borobudur’s spatial memory to be documented and passed down through generations.

‘Borobudur is more than just a historic structure. It is part of Indonesia’s cultural identity and a testament to the remarkable Nusantara civilisation. Through Project Eternal, we hope such heritage can continue to be preserved digitally and passed on to future generations,’ said Haris, Representative of Borobudur Area Management, in a press statement received on Sunday (31 May).

The implementation uses 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) technology and Antigravity A1, the world’s first 360-degree drone, to document Borobudur. 3DGS is a revolutionary 3D rendering technique capable of producing hyper-realistic visuals in real time.

During documentation, the team employed the lightweight 360-degree Antigravity A1 drone designed for spatial capture and immersive imaging. The 360-degree panoramic technology enables more efficient data collection for large-scale digital reconstruction.

‘With advancements in 360-degree drones and Gaussian Splatting technology, we believe this breakthrough can help document and experience historic spaces more authentically,’ said Sissi Chen, Japac Antigravity Marketing Manager.

Project Eternal has also launched a challenge inviting creators worldwide to document spaces and stories using immersive visual approaches. The competition features three main categories—Living Spaces, Cultural Spaces, and Creative Spaces—with a total prize pool of hundreds of millions of rupiah. Submissions will be accepted until 24 June 2026.

Borobudur is not the first historic site to be documented; Pompeii and Civita in Italy have also been recorded. The selection of Borobudur is significant not only as a tourist destination but as a symbol of Indonesia’s globally recognised civilisation. (H-3)