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Today, we want to tell you the story of Candi Borobudur, a magnificent Buddhist temple that has become a thriving tourist destination in Indonesia. From abandoned ruins to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the history of this temple is fascinating.

The Abandoned Ruins

Candi Borobudur was built in the 8th and 9th centuries by the Sailendra Dynasty, but it was abandoned in the 14th century. The reasons for its abandonment are unclear, but some historians believe that it was due to the decline of Buddhism and the rise of Islam in Java.

For centuries, the temple was forgotten and covered in volcanic ash and jungle growth. It was not until 1814 that it was rediscovered by Sir Stamford Raffles, the British governor of Java at the time.

The Restoration of Candi Borobudur

Despite its rediscovery, Candi Borobudur remained in a state of disrepair for many years. It was not until 1907 that restoration work began, under the direction of Theodoor van Erp, a Dutch architect. The restoration was a massive undertaking, with workers having to clear hundreds of cubic meters of volcanic ash and rebuild parts of the temple.

Over the years, Candi Borobudur has undergone several restorations, with the most recent one taking place in the 1970s. Today, the temple is one of the best-preserved examples of Buddhist architecture in the world.

The Significance of Candi Borobudur

Candi Borobudur is not just a beautiful temple, but it is also a significant cultural and historical site. It is a symbol of Indonesia’s rich Buddhist heritage and serves as a reminder of the country’s ancient past.

Moreover, Candi Borobudur’s intricate carvings and sculptures tell stories of Buddhist teachings and offer insight into the lives of people in ancient Java.

The Tourist Destination

Today, Candi Borobudur is a thriving tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. Every year, millions of people come to see the temple’s impressive architecture and experience its spiritual atmosphere.

Candi Borobudur’s popularity among tourists has had a positive impact on the local economy, with the temple supporting many small businesses and creating jobs for locals.

The Future of Candi Borobudur

As Candi Borobudur continues to attract more tourists, there are concerns about the impact of mass tourism on the temple. To address these concerns, the Indonesian government has implemented several measures to protect the temple and its surrounding areas.

Furthermore, efforts are being made to promote sustainable tourism, which aims to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment and local communities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the story of Candi Borobudur is a testament to the resilience of Indonesian culture and heritage. From its humble beginnings as an abandoned ruin, it has become a thriving tourist destination that celebrates and preserves the country’s ancient past.

Tourists who visit Candi Borobudur are not only treated to a stunning temple but also learn about the rich history and culture of Indonesia. Judging by the temple’s popularity, we can be sure that the story of Candi Borobudur will continue to inspire and captivate people for many years to come.

Goodbye for now, stay tuned for another interesting article!