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