Borobudor Tour

Borobudor the 9th Century Mahayana Buddhist temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site that has undergone great conservation efforts since the 1970s directed by both UNESCO and the Indonesian government. I am extremely excited about visiting the temple on March 1 (according to our schedule) as my academic interests overlap with what this temple has seen in terms of management of a cultural heritage site. The temple is also an intriguing case when considering the prospects of sustainable tourism associated with this space. This temple is the single most visited site in Central Java. Consequently, the consideration of this site as a possible way of integrating the local populace and their cultural products is pertinent. I want to understand how such a historic and significant site in terms of its spiritual/religious importance can be incorporated in increasingly dynamic ways of preserving yet growing the cultural heritage sector of the area we are visiting. In addition, there is this sense of connection that I always feel when visiting a historical site of such grandeur. I am looking forward to feeling that connection again; that connection that makes one understand the transience of the human race but the immortality that can be ascribed with such ephemerality if we as humans embark on such mega projects depicting our cultures, beliefs and ideals for all of the times to see.