UNESCO to examine Borobudur temple

UNESCO to examine Borobudur temple

BOROBUDUR, Central Java: A team of UNESCO experts will examine
the condition of the famed Borobudur temple next year, a local
official has said.

The experts will see if the temple's construction has changed
since it was renovated 20 years ago, said Dukut Santosa, chairman
of the Agency for the Study and Conservation of Borobudur.

Borobudur temple, which lies by the Elo river in Magelang
regency was built by the Syailendra dynasty in the 8th century.
The temple, one of the ancient wonders of the world, was first
renovated in 1983, also with UNESCO assistance.

"It was estimated that the renovation would have to be
reassessed in 20 years, which means next year," Dukut said.

Over the past 20 years, the temple's construction has been
closely observed. A significant finding is that the west
foundation has sunk 1.7 centimeters over the past three years and
it is estimated it will reach 4 cm by February 2003.

The same of experts will also conduct a study on other
historical sites, such as the Museum of Paleontology in Sragen,
Sewu temple and Prambanan temple, all in Central Java. --Antara
invest in this region". --Antara