Preserving Borobudur’s Legacy

The world-famous and heritage-listed Borobudur Buddhist temple was over the weekend the subject of much discourse as experts argued around how best to preserve and maintain not just the temple building — but everything it represents, including religious expression, cultural heritage and art history.

“Long-term preservation must go further than just the recovery of the physical monument,” said the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Director of UNESCO’s Jakarta office, Hubert Gijzen, said the art exhibition, called The Thousand Mysteries of Borobudur, was a joint effort between his office and Jogja Gallery.

Speaking to journalists ahead of the opening ceremony, the exhibition’s curator, Mikke Susanto, said the exhibition, held from April 20 to May 9, showcased more than 50 visual artworks from 24 different mediums.

Gijzen said the unique exhibition was designed to celebrate everything about Borobudur, including its surrounding landscape, its communities and the complex historical significance of the building.

“This is what makes Borobudur a World Heritage site,” he said.
“After such a successful physical restoration, we must address the next challenges — to develop and undertake further studies and research; to restore the natural landscape around the complex; to involve surrounding communities; and to somehow balance all this with sustainable tourism.

“Only this comprehensive approach will lead to true sustainability in the long term,” he said.

Built between 750 and 850, the 40-meter high temple comprises two million huge stone blocks. The building was “lost” for many years and not rediscovered until 1814 during Dutch occupation.

The first restoration phase was conducted in the early 20th century (1905-1911) by Theo Van Erp and focused on improving drainage and structural restoration.

A second massive restoration program was then conducted by the Indonesian government between 1973 and 1983, with full support from UNESCO.

This giant effort bought together 27 countries and a range of private companies from around the world. The total cost was US$25 million.

The celebrationary exhibition at Jogya Gallery includes the Unfinished Buddha statue, which was originally found inside a stupa at Borobudur Temple; old photos of the temple at different stages of its renovation; maps depicting the discovery of the town’s prehistoric lake; comics and sketches of figures who helped unlock the mysteries of Borobudur; and various statues and paintings.

Some exhibits are the works of maestros, including the late Affandi, while some are the work of younger artists who are participating in a competition as part of the exhibition.

A series of supporting programs will be held in conjunction with the exhibition, including screenings of rare films on Borobudur, public readings of a book by the first restorator of Borobudur, Theo Van Erp, heritage walks, seminars, discussions and an essay competition.

In 1991 Borobudur was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, confirming it as “a masterpiece of human’s creativity”.

“It seems that the temple is like a diamond and this diamond has been recovered from the deeper layers,” Gijzen said.

“It has been polished and brought to brilliance — Borobudur is truly a precious stone.”