French President Emmanuel Macron expressed deep admiration for the Borobudur Temple during his visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site alongside Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Magelang, Central Java, Thursday (05/29). (Photo by: BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat)
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed deep admiration for the Borobudur Temple during his visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site alongside Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Magelang, Central Java, Thursday (05/29).
The visit to Borobudur marked a symbolic highlight in Macron’s official state visit to Indonesia, underscoring the cultural ties and shared appreciation for world heritage between the two nations.
Amid the serene mountain backdrop and the breathtaking ancient architecture, President Macron shared his spiritual and cultural reflections on the centuries-old site. “Still serving as a place of worship, this temple is also a spiritual masterpiece of architecture — a testament to Indonesia’s greatness,” Macron said following a guided tour of the monument.
President Macron noted that Borobudur’s enduring presence—since its construction in the 8th century—and its continued relevance today reflect the strength of Indonesia’s cultural heritage. He emphasized that the temple serves as a source of inspiration not only for Southeast Asia but also for the global community.
“This is a powerful reminder of Indonesia’s cultural influence,” he added.
President Macron also highlighted Borobudur’s timeless spiritual significance. He noted that the temple is not merely a historical tourism site, but also a living place of worship imbued with universal values.
“Borobudur, in my view, is above all a sacred site. Hundreds of thousands come here to pray, and this reflects a universal message — one of tolerance and respect — that Indonesia proudly upholds,” Macron remarked.
President Macron also praised the longstanding cooperation between Indonesia and UNESCO in preserving Borobudur, calling it a symbol of successful multilateralism and international collaboration.
“Borobudur stands as a testament to the strength of multilateralism and the spirit of partnership. Decades ago, through joint efforts between the Indonesian government and UNESCO, this temple was not only preserved but also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” Macron stated.
He also conveyed his deep respect for the artistic and historical richness of the Indonesian people, describing it as both a national pride and a global inspiration.
“Here, I wish to express our deep admiration and respect for the historical, artistic, and cultural wealth of Indonesia. This temple is not merely a monument—it is a symbol of human excellence and a source of inspiration for the entire world,” Macron said.
“What unites us,” he added, “is the connection between culture and creativity — a shared foundation that binds our two nations and our peoples.”
The visit to Borobudur not only highlighted Indonesia’s cultural legacy but also strengthened cultural diplomacy between Indonesia and France, positioning the temple as a symbol of friendship and a meeting point of civilizations. (BPMI SETPRES) (AP/TM)
