Jakarta (ANTARA) - PT Taman Wisata Candi (TWC) Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko, the subsidiary of state-run tourism and aviation holding InJourney, warmly welcomed Buddhist monks at Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java, ahead of Vesak Day.
According to a statement received on Friday, the monks, who came from Thailand and were conducting Thudong, a ritual that involves walking long distances to emulate the Buddha, arrived at the temple on Thursday (June 1, 2023).
President director of PT TWC Febrina Intan said that to preserve the sacredness and conduciveness of the ritual, her party welcomed the monks in a modest way by giving them tuberose flowers and guiding them to conduct worship rituals at the temple.
The warm welcome extended by the community residing around Borobudur Temple showed the tolerance of Indonesian people toward religious diversity, she added.
President director of InJourney, Dony Oskaria, said that the warm welcome reflects that the Indonesian community upholds diversity in unity.
“This shows how great Indonesia is and how extraordinary the welcome from (Indonesian) people from various religions is. It is what we must emphasize to the world that Indonesia is a very tolerant country," he said.
Oskaria also expressed the hope that the occasion will draw more tourists to Borobudur Temple, especially Buddhism adherents, and bolster religious tourism.
He also lauded the Indonesian Buddhist Council (Walubi) and PT TWC for preparing the celebration of Vesak Day, which will fall on June 4, 2023, at Borobudur Temple.
Chairperson of the Central Executive Board (DPP) Walubi Siti Hartati Murdaya emphasized that Borobudur Temple is an extraordinary heritage that must be preserved.
As a representative of the Indonesian Buddhist community, she expressed her gratitude to all parties who helped prepare for Vesak Day celebrations at the temple.
“(Moreover) I think all religious communities (in Indonesia) have contributed (to helping the monks throughout their journey). The monks who came from far away were allowed to rest at the churches and mosques; it was very pleasant," she added.
TWC welcomes Buddhist monks conducting Thudong at Borobudur
A group of Buddhist monks from Thailand conducting Thudong arrived at Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday (June 1, 2023) to celebrate Vesak Day. (ANTARA/HO Injourney/uyu)
