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Muaro Jambi Temple Festival to kick off on Waisak Day
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The ancient temple complex at Muara Jambi, one of the most important Hindu-Buddhist sites in Sumatra. (Shutterstock/Byelikova Oksana)
T
he Muaro Jambi Temple complex, one of Jambi’s most popular tourist destinations, is set to host the 2017 Muaro Jambi Temple Festival from May 11 to 14.
The opening day of the four-day event will coincide with Waisak Day, which falls on May 11.
Around 1,000 Buddhists are expected to come to the complex to perform rituals for Waisak Day.
Apart from the celebration, the event will also host a small and medium enterprise bazaar, art and cultural performances, games and competitions, including a traditional dance performance, Seloko (traditional literary competition from the Malay ethnic group) and a fun walk around the temple complex.
Read also: A letter from culturally rich Jambi
Indra Gunawan, head of the Muaro Jambi Cultural and Tourism Office, said the festival aimed to promote the complex as an education and research center and a pilgrimage site.
“This temple, built in the 11th century, is of strategic importance to the country's tourist sector. Through this event, we’re hoping to increase the number of visitors by up to 15 percent,” said Indra.
Last year’s festival managed to attract 8,000 visitors. For this year, it hopes to attract 10,000 people. Entrance tickets are priced at Rp 3,000 per person.
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The temple complex covers seven villages, namely Lake Lamo, Muarojambi, Kemingking Luar, Kemingking Dalam, Jambu Bay, Mudo and Baru. It is located in Muaro Jambi regency, 20 kilometers from Jambi, and is accessible via a bridge that crosses the Batanghari River.
Up to 82 temple ruins can be found there. To date, only seven temples have been restored, namely Gumpung, Tinggi I, Tinggi II, Kembar Batu, Astano, Gedong I and Gedong II and the Kedaton Temple. (kes)
