TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President of France Emmanuel Macron stated that Borobudur Temple is evidence of Indonesia's excellence. According to him, Borobudur Temple is a source of inspiration. "Borobudur is a place of worship, where hundreds or even thousands of people worship. It conveys a message of tolerance and respect," he said.
Macron mentioned that Borobudur Temple also serves as a testament to multilateralism and embodies the spirit of partnership. The collaboration between Indonesia and UNESCO has successfully preserved this Buddhist religious site. "This is a moment of human excellence and a symbol of human inspiration for the entire world," he said.
Macron stated that France and Indonesia have signed several cultural collaborations. One of them is France's assistance in preserving Indonesia's heritage and museums.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon explained that Prabowo and Macron met with monks and bhantes at the top of Borobudur Temple. Macron also toured the temple's reliefs. Macron even attempted to touch the Buddha statue inside one of the stupas.
"He touched the statue," Fadli said after accompanying Prabowo and Macron on a tour of Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
According to Fadli, Macron was impressed by the beauty of Borobudur Temple. However, Macron couldn't stay long due to time constraints. "Macron thoroughly enjoyed it. He said it was too short," he said.
Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana accompanied the wife of the French President, Brigitte Macron, visiting Borobudur Temple. Photo: ANTARA/HO-Ministry of Tourism
Previously, President Prabowo Subianto and President of France Emmanuel Macron visited Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The two heads of state reached the top stupa of the temple using a stairlift machine.
The moment was shared on the Instagram account of the Cabinet Secretariat. During their visit to the historical site, Prabowo personally drove a golf cart that carried them from the courtyard to the main stairs of the temple.
"Their closeness was clearly visible from their casual conversation and Prabowo's explanation of the history and uniqueness of Borobudur," as stated in the caption of the @sekretariat.kabinet account, quoted on Friday, May 30, 2025.
In several uploaded photos, Prabowo is seen pointing towards the stupa at Borobudur Temple. He is seen talking with Emmanuel Macron.
After accompanying Macron at the peak of the site for about 45 minutes, Prabowo stated that Borobudur Temple is a masterpiece of world civilization.
"Borobudur Temple also reflects Indonesia's fundamental philosophy of Pancasila, which respects all religions and beliefs," said Prabowo in Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, as monitored via the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel.
Prabowo stated that Indonesia and France are great nations with a long history. Both countries, he said, also share the same spirit of tolerance.
"Tolerance, respecting cultural heritage, respecting all religions, races, and ethnicities. We want to maintain a harmonious life. We believe that through collaboration, we can achieve a better life," he said.
Ervana Trikarinaputri and Hendrik Yaputra also contributed to the writing of this article.
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