Borobudur Temple, a magnificent ancient architectural masterpiece in Magelang, Central Java, is not just a stunning historical building. More than that, every relief and level of this temple holds rich history lessons about cultural values, religion, and the civilization of the past. Visiting Borobudur is like reading a three-dimensional history book that takes us through the traces of our ancestors.
According to records from the Borobudur Conservation Center, in early May 2025, the number of tourists interested in the history lesson aspects of Borobudur Temple continues to increase. The Head of the Borobudur Conservation Center, Dr. Marzuki, M.Hum., at a historical seminar in the temple complex on Thursday, May 15, 2025, explained that the Borobudur reliefs are a valuable source of information about the life of ancient Javanese society, Mahayana Buddhist teachings, as well as the development of art and architecture at that time. “Each relief panel tells a story, providing a profound history lesson for visitors,” he said.
Exploring each level of Borobudur provides a different history lesson. Starting from Kamadhatu, which symbolizes the world of desires, Rupadhatu with reliefs depicting the stories of Buddha and Dharma teachings, to Arupadhatu, which is the formless realm. The building structure and relief details teach about Buddhist cosmology, moral values, and the spiritual stages that must be passed to achieve enlightenment. Licensed tour guides are also ready to provide in-depth explanations about the history lessons contained in every corner of the temple.
The Head of the Borobudur Sector Police, Commissioner Sudirman, S.Ag., when met at the temple entrance area on Friday, May 16, 2025, emphasized the importance of preserving Borobudur Temple as a cultural heritage and a source of history lessons for future generations. His team collaborates with the temple management to ensure security and order in the tourist area, so that visitors can comfortably learn about the history contained within. He also urged tourists to respect this historical site by not taking actions that could damage the reliefs or the temple structure.
Visiting Borobudur Temple is not just about sightseeing, but also a journey of history lessons that broadens understanding of past glory and noble values that are still relevant today. The grandeur of its architecture and the richness of the narratives in its reliefs make Borobudur an invaluable source of knowledge.