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Plan to install stairlifts in Borobudur to welcome Macron draws controversy
Many have taken to social media to express worries that the installation of the stairlift, which is typically used in homes to help people navigate stairs, could harm the structure of Borobudur, especially considering the damage to the ancient temple caused by overtourism in recent years.
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Sacred ceremony: Various religious leaders, along with Buddhist priests and monks, walk around the Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, during a pradakshina ritual on Aug. 17, 2024, to commemorate the 79th Independence Day. (Antara/Anis Efizudin)
T
he government’s plan to install stairlifts and iron ramps at Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple in Magelang, Central Java, ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit, has sparked concerns among the public.
Many have taken to social media to express worries that the installation of the stairlift, which is typically used in homes to help people navigate stairs, could harm the structure of Borobudur, especially considering the damage to the ancient temple caused by overtourism in recent years.
Hasan Nasbi, head of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), said the stairlift was necessary to accommodate both President Macron and President Prabowo Subianto, arguing that climbing Borobudur’s 12-tier stairway in formal attire during a brief official visit would be both impractical and exhausting.
“The French president has very limited time to visit Borobudur, unlike us, who can spend the entire day there during holidays. His schedule is packed, so the facility is necessary to save time,” Hasan said on Monday, as reported by Tribunnews.
“Besides, climbing 12 flights of stairs would leave both presidents sweating and their suits wrinkled, which is not ideal for a state visit,” he added.
Hasan stated that the stairlift would be installed between the fifth and eighth levels of the temple. He also assured the public that the installation would follow strict conservation guidelines, with the Culture Ministry closely overseeing the project to ensure the temple’s preservation.
"There will be no nails or bolts; the stairlift will just be [...] positioned in place. Once the project is finished, it can be easily removed," he said, as reported by Antaranews.
