According to kompas.com, the restriction is part of the monitoring program of the terrace stupas and main stupa structures.

The monitoring program is intended to check several parts of the temple, including the maintenance of the stones, the stability of the structures, the impact of tourist visits and damage to the main stones of the stupa structure.

Amid the restrictions, visitors are still allowed to enjoy the views of Borobudur temple from the eighth level.

In addition to the monitoring program, the restriction is also part of the Borobudur conservation campaign.

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The agency noted that some visitors engaged in irresponsible behavior in the complex, particularly at the terraces of the eighth, ninth and 10th levels.

The agency’s conservation head Yudi Suhartono said the poor behavior, which included sitting or climbing the stupa walls, vandalism, littering, sticking used chewing gum on stone surfaces, smoking and even performing Parkour on the stupas, threatened the conservation of the temple.   

The agency stated that the high volume of tourists visiting the temple could have both positive and negative impacts.

Alongside the irresponsible behavior, visitors’ footwear could also damage the floors.  

“If a heritage site is damaged, it cannot be renewed and recovered,” said Yudi. (jes/wng)