Collective Casting of Buddha Statue Symbolises Unity and Harmony for Indonesian Buddhists
The chanting of the Paritta Suci echoed solemnly at the Jakarta Dhammacakka Jaya Vihara in Sunter, North Jakarta, on Sunday (21/6/2026). Amid the prayers led by dozens of monks and attended by thousands of devotees, the head of the Rupang Buddha Nusantara was cast, marking the culmination of a spiritual journey that began across various regions of Indonesia.
This procession was not merely the final stage of creating a statue, but a symbol of the unity and togetherness of Indonesian Buddhists in welcoming the Golden Year of the Sangha Theravada Indonesia’s (STI) half-century anniversary, themed ‘Walking the Noble Path, Contributing to the Nation’.
Bhikkhu Sri Subhapañño Mahathera, Chairman of the Sangha Theravada Indonesia, stated that the 50th anniversary of STI is a momentum to reflect on the long journey of guiding the community and strengthening the virtues inherited from the Buddha. ‘The year 2026 is very special because STI is exactly 50 years old. This entire series of activities is an expression of gratitude for the long journey of the Sangha Theravada Indonesia in fostering the community and providing benefits to the wider society,’ he said.
He explained that the Rupang Buddha Nusantara holds deep spiritual meaning as it was born from the participation and sincerity of Buddhists from various regions. ‘This Rupang Buddha Nusantara is a symbol of the unity of Indonesian Buddhists. Its casting was carried out in turns on various islands, starting from Sumatra, Kalimantan, Bali, Sulawesi, Java, and culminating here in Jakarta. This reflects the spirit of togetherness and mutual cooperation that is the strength of the Indonesian nation,’ said Bhikkhu Sri Subhapañño.
The Rupang Buddha Nusantara uses a prototype of a Buddha statue discovered in the ruins of the Sewu Temple complex in 2025. The statue displays the Bhumisparsa mudra, or earth-touching gesture, symbolising the earth as a witness to the virtues performed. These values of virtue also coloured the entire creation process. The metal used came from donations by Buddhist devotees, making the statue a result of a collective offering built from sincerity, faith, and the spirit of sharing.
Bhikkhu Atthadhiro Thera, Chairman of the STI Half-Century Golden Year Committee, explained that each casting stage carried a message of brotherhood that transcends regional boundaries. ‘The first casting was done in Medan representing Sumatra in January 2026, then Samarinda for Kalimantan, Denpasar for Bali, Palu for Sulawesi, Surabaya for Java, and today is the peak in Jakarta. The enthusiasm of the devotees is extraordinary. Many came from various regions to witness this historic moment firsthand,’ he revealed.
More than 50 monks were present to lead the recitation of the Paritta Suci during the procession. The silent atmosphere enveloping the vihara area provided a space for devotees to instil good intentions and strengthen their faith in living a virtuous life. ‘Every devotee who donated for this casting has planted good intentions and virtues. Therefore, the Rupang Buddha Nusantara is not merely a work of art, but a symbol of unity, faith, and devotion of Indonesian Buddhists,’ explained Bhikkhu Atthadhiro.
Supriyadi, Director General of Buddhist Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, assessed that the half-century commemoration of STI demonstrates the strong role of religious communities in nurturing harmony and togetherness amidst the nation’s diversity. ‘The 50th anniversary of STI shows how religious organisations can play an active role in strengthening social harmony, national unity, and virtuous values. Activities like the Rupang Buddha Nusantara are tangible symbols that Indonesia’s diversity can be nurtured through the spirit of mutual cooperation and respect for cultural heritage,’ he said.
He stated that the spiritual values built through this activity not only strengthen religious life but also contribute to the development of the nation’s character based on morality and humanity. For Buddhists, the Buddha statue is not just a visual symbol. Its presence serves as a means to cultivate faith grounded in right understanding, moral living, generosity, and wisdom. ‘Therefore, the Rupang Buddha Nusantara is expected to become a spiritual legacy that reminds future generations of the importance of unity, virtue, and service to others,’ he concluded.
The series of the STI Half-Century Golden Year will reach its peak on 13 December 2026. Thousands of Buddhists from various regions in Indonesia and abroad are scheduled to attend, marking the five-decade journey of STI walking the noble path and contributing to the nation.