TWC Strengthens Educational Content Towards Quality Tourism, Using the Historical Value of the Bodhi Tree Relief at Borobudur Temple as a Source of Inspiration

Borobudur Temple is a lesson in achieving perfection, an open educational book about universal values ​​of excellence. Referred to as one of Indonesia's " Centers for Excellence ," Borobudur Temple must continue to be developed, inspiring the creation of the nation's finest works.

Borobudur Temple exists not only to admire its beauty, but also to maintain its function as a source of inspiration. As a tourist attraction, educational elements are a key value that must be conveyed to visitors, ensuring a far more rewarding travel experience. One of the educational values ​​​​to be learned from the Borobudur Temple reliefs is the Bodhi Tree, or Ficus Religiosa . It is believed that when Prince Siddhartha meditated under this Bodhi Tree, he attained enlightenment.

       When visiting Borobudur Temple, visitors can also see and observe directly the Bodhi Tree, which is spread across several locations within the Borobudur Temple Tourism Park area.

"This is something interesting, visitors can observe the Bodhi Tree directly, while also gaining educational value," said Pujo Suwarno, Marketing & Sales VP, PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko (Persero).

       Besides being a center of study, Borobudur Temple has been a source of inspiration for many, including Easting Medi, a painter from Borobudur. Easting Medi was inspired to use the Bodhi leaf as the theme for many of his paintings.

"Since I was a child, I have often visited Borobudur Temple with my friends. I love observing the reliefs, niches, stupas, etc. One time I was sitting resting under a shady, cool and calm tree, which turned out to be the Bodhi Tree. As I grew older, I began painting with the theme of Buddha and Bodhi Leaves, which always reminds me of my childhood memories. The romance of children is very pleasant and happy, when I sit under the Bodhi Tree while enjoying the splendor of Borobudur Temple," said Easting Medi, a painter from Borobudur.

Easting Medi further revealed the uniqueness of the Bodhi Leaf, which became a source of inspiration for his paintings.

"The Bodhi leaf is unique. It's round, with a tail and distinct veins. Young leaves range in color from deep red to dark green, and fallen leaves turn yellow or orange," added Easting Medi.

       Looking at the Easting Medi painting, it is clear that the relief of Borobudur Temple can provide inspiration for creative work.

"So, we can draw a kind of common thread: there's a correlation between the educational value of the Bodhi Tree reliefs at Borobudur Temple, the actual form of the Bodhi Tree itself, and the artworks inspired by them. We sincerely hope that, in addition to being a center of study, Borobudur Temple will continue to be a source of inspiration in the fields of religion, art, history, science, social life, and other fields," said Pujo Suwarno.

PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko (Persero) or TWC remains committed to improving quality tourism, one of which is by enhancing the educational value accessible to visitors. Given that the Public Activity Restrictions (PPKM) are still in effect and Borobudur Temple is still not accessible in person, the public can access educational videos from the Borobudur Content Series through TWC's social media channels.

"In providing this educational content, we collaborate with tourism stakeholders and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Borobudur area. We will continue to provide educational value to the public on a regular basis, through media, including social media. We sincerely hope that our efforts can support sustainable tourism towards quality tourism ," said Pujo Suwarno.