Palace Welcomes Borobudur Permanent Stairlift Proposal Despite Controversies

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), Hasan Nasbi, acknowledges that the proposal to install a permanent stairlift in the Borobudur Temple complex is worthy of consideration. Hasan admits that the facility could provide a long-term solution, especially for people with physical limitations.

"The original plan was to make the stairlift temporary," Hasan says on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. "This proposal (to make it permanent) seems quite good."

Hasan claims the proposal comes from various groups, including the Buddhist community and cultural enthusiasts. According to him, the proposal stems from a spirit to make cultural sites more inclusive.

Regardless, the final decision remains in the hands of the relevant ministries, the Cultural Heritage Council, and the managers of the Borobudur Temple complex.

"Whether it becomes permanent or not, there will certainly be meetings and considerations from the stakeholders. But as a proposal, this is very worthy of consideration," he said.

The stairlift facility at Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java, was installed ahead of the visit of President Emmanuel Macron on May 28-29, 2025. Macron will visit Borobudur with President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

The chair of the Indonesian Archaeological Experts Association (IAAI), Marsis Sutopo, warned that the Borobudur Temple was built using vulnerable andesite stones. "They are highly vulnerable to pressure, friction, or collision, which can threaten the integrity of the stone and the overall stability of the temple structure," he said in a written statement on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

However, Ashar Saputra, a lecturer from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Gadjah Mada University, explained that, from an engineering standpoint, installing a stairlift does not place a heavy load on the structure, as it only carries one person at a time. According to mechanical team standards, the lift can handle a maximum of around 250 kilograms.

“For safety, assuming two to three trips, each user should weigh no more than 100 kilograms,” he said.

A representative from the Borobudur operators, the CEO of InJourney Destination Management (IDM) Maya Watono, assured that the stairlift installation would not harm the temple. She said the device would be portable and would not involve drilling or nailing into the structure.

InJourney, formerly known as PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko, has coordinated with the Ministry of Culture and adhered to UNESCO's guidelines, Maya added.

She also clarified that the stairlift is not exclusively for the presidential visit but aimed at improving accessibility for those unable to climb the temple, including elderly monks seeking to worship at the summit.

“We believe worship should have no limitations, so we should be able to facilitate those who want to worship,” Maya said.

M. Faiz Zaki contributed to the writing of this article.

Editor’s Choice: Archaeologist Warns Stairlift Could Threaten Borobudur Temple's Integrity

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