Turmoil in Java World

Tuesday, February 4, 2003

Restlessness is overshadowing Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, prompting local hawkers and artists to stage protest rallies. The source of their anxiety is the pending creation of “Java World”, a project which will see the temple’s compound, and their jobs, changed.

When this plan materializes, hawkers will no longer be permitted to roam the compound trading souvenirs and food. All of their activities will be concentrated at the art market, a purpose-built three-storey building. But, many of these small-scale vendors may not be able to afford the kiosk rent.

Artists and cultural observers are equally worried: the project may harm the temple’s cultural and architectural values. So, just who will benefit from Governor Mardiyanto’s revamp of Borobudur?

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Sutanto’s skinny body looks increasingly emaciated. The fate of the Borobudur Temple—a significant problem for this 46-year-old man—has drained his energy and thought. Weighing on his mind is a project with the glitz name of “Java World”, intended to rearrange the temple and its compound. If this project is realized, not only hawkers but also the architectural and cultural values of this historical legacy may be at s

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