Unfinished Buddha Statue Relocated to Original Site at Borobudur

The Unfinished Buddha statue has been returned to its original location at Kenari Field in Zone I of the Borobudur Temple complex in Central Java, specifically in the southwest area of the temple and placed between two historic and spiritually significant kenari trees. The statue’s relocation took place on Tuesday (25 May), organised through a cross-sector collaboration involving Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture via the Museum and Cultural Heritage (MCB), Ministry of Religion, InJourney Destination Management, Bhikkhus, and local indigenous communities. The move aims to ensure the preservation and sustainability of the cultural heritage site. The relocation of the Unfinished Buddha statue at Borobudur Temple is part of broader cultural preservation efforts, aimed at strengthening the site’s spiritual functions and establishing a more sustainable worship ecosystem. Museum and Cultural Heritage Chief Esti Nurjadin stated that this initiative not only contributes to preserving global cultural heritage but also creates a more representative and sustainable spiritual space for the community. ‘All processes were conducted while upholding cultural heritage preservation values, respecting local communities and customs, to ensure sustainable management of the area so that Borobudur remains a spiritual and cultural hub.’ InJourney Director Maya Watono added that Borobudur, as the world’s largest Buddhist temple, plays a vital role for Buddhists and also serves as a cultural tourism destination with profound spiritual and sacred significance for local communities. ‘Developing Borobudur as a world-class spiritual and cultural destination must align cultural heritage preservation, spiritual value reinforcement, and the development of a high-quality, sustainable tourism ecosystem. Through collaboration with the government, religious leaders, and local communities, we aim to ensure Borobudur remains preserved and relevant as a world-class spiritual and pilgrimage destination that delivers economic, social, and cultural benefits to the wider community,’ said Maya Watono. The statue’s relocation ceremony included traditional rituals and communal prayers as a gesture of respect for cultural values, spirituality, and community harmony around Borobudur. This event also symbolises the strengthened link between heritage preservation and the spiritual life of the community, a connection that has endured for centuries. In line with this, InJourney Destination Management Director Febrina Intan explained that the relocation of the Unfinished Buddha statue to Kenari Field considered multiple factors. ‘Placing the statue in the ritual buffer zone is expected to facilitate better-organised spiritual activities, provide a more representative worship space for devotees, and maintain visitor experience quality,’ said Febrina Intan. (H-4) The Pindapata procession followed Benyamin Sueb Street, starting from Mega Kemayoran Roundabout (MGK), heading to BNI Roundabout, and returning to the starting point. Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar stated that the Pindapata tradition during Waisak is not merely a religious ritual but a lesson in life.