Dozens of Thudong Monks Greeted by Sultan HB X Upon Arrival in Yogyakarta

Fifty-seven monks embarked on the Thudong pilgrimage tradition from Buleleng, Bali to Borobudur Temple in Magelang to commemorate Vesak 2026. The group stopped in Yogyakarta and were greeted by the Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X.

Monks from various Southeast Asian countries walked through Malioboro in Yogyakarta around 3:44 PM WIB. They entered the Kepatihan Complex and were immediately greeted by Sultan HB X.

The group comprised 43 monks from Thailand, four from Malaysia, three from Laos, and seven from Indonesia. They began their journey on 9 May and are scheduled to arrive at Borobudur Temple on 28 May.

Sultan HB X welcomed the monks positively. “If I may say so, I believe everyone here can witness what we are doing. Their purpose, as I mentioned earlier, is not just physical. It’s about humanity and togetherness,” he said at the Kepatihan Complex in Yogyakarta on Monday, 25 May 2026.

“Allah created diversity in skin colour and race. It is not for nations to be divided but brought together for mutual benefit as part of His creation,” he added.

Indonesian Walk for Peace (IWFP) chairman Tosin noted the monks’ journey received warm welcomes across all regions. “All segments of society, from children and teenagers to adults and the elderly, even those unwell, were present and very happy,” he said.

Residents along the route frequently provided assistance and welcomed the group with joy, he added. “It wasn’t just one religion—Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists all participated, so everyone was joyful,” he said.

The monks conveyed messages of peace through tangible actions and togetherness at every stop, he explained. “These monks travel from place to place peacefully, embodying vibrations of peace wherever they go,” he said. “At every overnight stop, there is a sense of unity, joy, and happiness. Communities even compete to host them,” he concluded.