Ministry of Culture Commits to Preserving and Maintaining Borobudur Temple
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon attended the Dharmasanti Tri Suci Waisak Nasional 2570 BE/2026 event at Taman Lumbini, Borobudur, underscoring the ministry’s full support for the national Waisak celebrations and his role as patron of the organising committee. Under the theme ‘Dharma as the Source of Morality and Wisdom’ with a subtheme ‘Love as the Source of World Peace’, the event aimed to strengthen brotherhood, tolerance, and peace in national life.
The Minister highlighted Waisak’s significance for Buddhists worldwide, noting the three pivotal events in Buddha’s life: his birth, enlightenment, and passing. ‘Borobudur is not merely a monument or relief; it embodies humanity’s spiritual journey toward enlightenment. Preserving it means safeguarding civilisational memory, and we are committed to doing so responsibly for future generations,’ he stated.
Hartati Murdaya, chair of the National Waisak Committee 2026, thanked the ministry for its support in organising Buddhist worship at Borobudur and ongoing restoration efforts at Muaro Jambi, a 7th-13th century Srivijaya-era Buddhist learning centre where Indian monk Atishab Dipangkara studied under Mahaguru Dharmakirti.
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka praised Buddhists for their contributions to social harmony, humanitarian activities, education, health, and community empowerment. ‘Waisak at Borobudur is not just a religious celebration but a powerful symbol of Indonesia’s diversity and unity,’ he said, adding that Buddhist values like metta (loving-kindness), karuna (compassion), and panna (wisdom) remain vital in addressing modern challenges.
The event concluded with a drone show depicting Buddha’s life story and a Peace Lantern ceremony, symbolising the release of greed, anger, and ignorance. The ministry hopes the celebrations will reinforce tolerance, interfaith harmony, and Borobudur’s role as a spiritual and cultural space for global peace. Makassar Mayor Munafri Arifuddin highlighted the strategic role of the Interfaith Communication Forum (FKUB), while President Prabowo Subianto extended Waisak greetings and urged stronger brotherhood, tolerance, and mutual assistance. The sacred Dharma Fire procession from Mrapen in Grobogan, Central Java, also marked the occasion.