[ENGLISH] Between Tourism and Preservation: Borobudur's Dilemma in Presidential Regulation 101/2024
“No policy is perfect. Let us stop the narrative of blaming each other and build a spirit of mutual support.”Borobudur, a world heritage masterpiece that makes Indonesia proud, has once again become a topic of discussion. This time, the focus is on its management, which is governed by Peraturan Presiden (Perpres, or Presidential Regulation) Number 101 of 2024. Through the Sekolah Kehidupan Borobudur, Warung Info Jagad Cleguk held an online discussion via Zoom on March 9, 2025, with the theme “The Dilemma of Borobudur’s Management Issues, Highlighting Perpres 101 of 2024.” The event aimed to explore various perspectives to support the writing of a book published by Warung Info Jagad Cleguk, while also providing constructive input to the stakeholders.
Presidential Regulation of Indonesia Number 101 of 2024 on the Governance of the Borobudur Area is designed to regulate the management of cultural heritage in the area. Although conceptually this regulation aligns with global heritage management guidelines, its implementation has still drawn criticism. Local communities feel that this regulation has yet to provide tangible benefits for their welfare.
Also Read: [ENGLISH] [ENGLISH] Two Similar Cultures in Southeast Asia Encounters Boosted By Self Claiming and Prejudice
Hasbiansyah Zulhari, an expert in Archaeological Heritage Management and Archaeology, who opened the event, emphasized that the purpose of the discussion was not to revise the regulation, but to prepare historical material for a book that will be published. “This regulation aims to improve the welfare of the community, but many still feel unaffected,” he said. He stressed the importance of a spirit of collaboration: “No policy is perfect. Let us stop the narrative of blaming each other and build a spirit of mutual support.”
Criticism of the Implementation of the Presidential Regulation
Daud Tanudirjo, a lecturer and researcher in Indonesian and Pacific Archaeology, highlighted several irregularities in the implementation guidelines of Presidential Regulation 101 of 2024. According to him, although conceptually it is already appropriate, the integrated management system being promoted is not yet balanced. "Management must be communicative, involving all parties, not just one party," he emphasized.
Daud also criticized the tendency to prioritize tourism over preservation. "Tourism is being given more priority, whereas preservation should come first," he said. He added that the main achievement of Borobudur's management currently is limited to quality tourism, not cultural heritage preservation.
Also Read: [ENGLISH] Blue Samurai Wins Inter-university Football in Asia
Furthermore, Daud questioned the competence of PT Taman Wisata Candi (TWC) in managing the Borobudur area. “The competence of PT TWC in utilizing the Borobudur area needs to be doubted and thoroughly audited. This process has never been carried out, yet they were given the mandate as the management implementer,” he said.
Building Collaboration for the Future of Borobudur
This discussion highlights the importance of involving the local community in the management of Borobudur. Capacity building is key so that the community has awareness and the ability to participate actively. In addition, preservation aspects and cultural values must remain the main priority, not merely economic gains from tourism.
"Through the Borobudur School of Life, we both hope to make a real contribution in improving the management of the Borobudur area. This event is not just a discussion, but also an invitation to jointly build a more just, wise, and sustainable future for Borobudur," concluded Zulhari.
Melipirnews/Latifah

Komentar
Posting Komentar