Borobudur, Prambanan, Mendut & Pawon Strengthened as Global Religious Tourism Destinations

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia continues to strengthen the role of its magnificent ancient temples not only as cultural heritage attractions, but also as important centers of spirituality, religious journeys, education, and sustainable tourism.

On September 17, 2026, Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism, together with several ministries, government institutions, and the provincial governments of Yogyakarta and Central Java, renewed an agreement concerning the use of Borobudur, Prambanan, Mendut, and Pawon Temples for Hindu and Buddhist religious activities.

The collaboration is expected to further strengthen the position of these four historic temples as world-class religious and spiritual tourism destinations, while ensuring that their cultural and sacred values remain protected for future generations.

More Than Ancient Monuments

For many international travelers, Borobudur and Prambanan are among the most recognizable cultural landmarks in Indonesia. However, these extraordinary monuments are much more than beautiful archaeological sites.

Under the renewed cooperation, Prambanan Temple continues to serve as an important place of worship for Hindus, while Borobudur, Mendut, and Pawon Temples support Buddhist worship and spiritual activities.

The four temple areas are also being developed as centers for Hindu Tirtha Yatra and Buddhist Dharmayatra, as well as destinations for religious tourism, cultural activities, education, research, and community empowerment.

The initiative highlights an important aspect of visiting these temples: travelers are not simply exploring monuments from the past, but entering places where spirituality, history, culture, architecture, and living traditions continue to meet.

Borobudur: A Journey Through Buddhist Heritage

Located in Magelang, Central Java, Borobudur Temple is one of Indonesia's greatest cultural treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Built centuries ago, the monumental Buddhist structure features multiple levels decorated with extensive stone reliefs and hundreds of Buddha statues.

A journey through Borobudur offers visitors the opportunity to discover the philosophy and symbolism represented in its architecture while enjoying impressive views of the surrounding Central Java landscape.

The temple remains closely connected to Buddhist religious traditions. Together with nearby Mendut and Pawon, Borobudur plays an important role in Buddhist ceremonies, particularly during Vesak celebrations.

Mendut and Pawon: Part of the Borobudur Spiritual Journey

Although smaller than Borobudur, Mendut and Pawon Temples have an important historical and spiritual connection to the Borobudur area.

Mendut Temple is particularly known for the large Buddhist statues housed inside its main chamber and its role in Buddhist religious ceremonies.

During Vesak celebrations, Mendut is associated with important rituals before the religious procession continues through Pawon and ultimately reaches Borobudur.

For travelers interested in history, religion, and ancient Javanese civilization, exploring these temples provides a deeper understanding of the cultural landscape surrounding Borobudur.

Prambanan: Discover Indonesia's Magnificent Hindu Heritage

Located east of Yogyakarta, Prambanan Temple presents a different but equally fascinating side of Indonesia's spiritual heritage.

The magnificent Hindu temple complex is famous for its soaring architecture and temples dedicated to the Hindu Trimurti: Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.

Beyond its architectural beauty, Prambanan continues to function as an important place for Hindu religious activities and cultural events.

Its presence alongside the Buddhist heritage of Borobudur, Mendut, and Pawon also illustrates the extraordinary diversity of religious and cultural traditions that have shaped Java over many centuries.

Growing Interest in Spiritual and Religious Tourism

The Indonesian government's initiative also reflects growing participation in religious activities at these historic temple complexes.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, Buddhist religious activities at Borobudur, Mendut, and Pawon attracted 33,556 participants in 2025, including visitors from overseas, compared with 24,894 participants in 2024.

At Prambanan, the Tawur Agung Kesanga ceremony in 2024 was estimated to have attracted around 10,000 participants, while the eighth Saka Yoga Festival involved more than 500 participants.

The renewed cooperation aims to balance these religious activities with tourism, heritage conservation, education, and benefits for surrounding communities.

Experience Borobudur and Prambanan with Travelindo

For travelers who would like to experience two of Java's most remarkable cultural landmarks in one journey, Travelindo offers the Full Day Amazing Borobudur & Prambanan Temples Tour.

The tour combines two great traditions of ancient Java in a single day: the Buddhist heritage of Borobudur and the magnificent Hindu architecture of Prambanan.

The Borobudur experience also includes a ticket to access the Borobudur Temple structure, allowing visitors to gain a closer perspective of its architecture, stone reliefs, Buddhist symbolism, and remarkable design.

Traveling between Borobudur and Prambanan also gives visitors an opportunity to experience the landscapes and cultural atmosphere surrounding Yogyakarta and Central Java.

Whether you are interested in history, architecture, spirituality, photography, or Indonesian culture, visiting Borobudur and Prambanan offers a memorable introduction to Java's extraordinary heritage.

Discover two of Indonesia's most iconic temples in one unforgettable journey with Travelindo.

Explore the Full Day Amazing Borobudur & Prambanan Temples Tour and experience the remarkable spiritual and cultural heritage of Java.

Source

Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, “Kemenpar Sinergi Optimalkan Pemanfaatan Empat Candi sebagai Pusat Wisata Religi Dunia,” published September 17, 2026.

Additional reference: Directorate General of Buddhist Community Guidance, Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.