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MINISTER of Culture Fadli Zon has confirmed that no elevator or escalator construction was carried out at Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java.
“The construction of an elevator at Borobudur Temple is not a possibility. A video was recently circulated that showed the installation of an escalator or an excavator. However, he was unable to differentiate between the two, so it can be concluded that no such installation took place at Borobudur Temple.” Our objective is to install a chair (chairlift),” stated Fadli Zon when met at the DPR RI complex in Jakarta on Monday, May 26th.
The Minister of Culture has denied the confusing news and called it a hoax. According to the latest reports, plans are underway to install a chairlift at Borobudur Temple. This initiative is designed to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities, as well as elderly or senior monks, allowing them to more easily explore this significant historical site, which is recognized as the largest Buddhist temple in the world.
The chairlift is intended to promote inclusivity. It has been utilized by all world sites, including the Acropolis and the Parthenon in Greece. “It also uses it. I also saw it in the chapel system. If we look at the Saint Peter’s Church system in Italy, which is a heritage site, it also uses it,” he said.
He has stated that the presence of the chairlift will not cause any damage to the historic temple building. According to him, the adaptation of this chairlift is a form of adjustment to the need to present inclusivity for Buddhists and the general public so that they can carry out religious activities, such as in the Waisak Day celebration ceremony or certain activities.
This adaptation is being made in accordance with the law and will not cause any damage. It incorporates a handrail. I emphasize that there are no escalators, let alone excavators,” he said.
As reported in a video that has been circulating on social media, the construction of an escalator with iron plates to climb the Borobudur temple has been proposed. There are concerns that this could potentially damage the building.
Meanwhile, Hasan Nasbi, the Head of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), stated that the government installed non-permanent escalators at Borobudur Temple at the request of the French government for the official visit of President Emmanuel Macron.
On Monday at the PCO office in Gambir, Central Jakarta, Hasan issued a statement regarding the facilities prepared by the government. He stated that these facilities were temporary assistance to ensure the smooth running of French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the world heritage site.
As part of the state visit agenda, Hasan stated that the government aims to ensure that state guests can access and experience the beauty and grandeur of Borobudur Temple optimally, even with limited time.
“Borobudur Temple stands at an approximate height equivalent to that of a 12-story building. Therefore, the French President certainly has limited time during his state visit,” Hasan affirmed.
To address this need, the government has developed two support systems: a ramp or ramp-up to the fourth level and a stair lift, a type of assistive chair installed on the side of the stairs, to reach the upper levels up to the seventh or eighth floor. He also stated that all installations were carried out with strict conservation principles.
“The construction was carried out under the oversight of the Ministry of Culture, and no tools such as nails or drills were utilized. It was simply placed. Please take a seat. This approach ensures that the structure can be dismantled with ease once the project is complete,” Hasan concluded. [antaranews]
