In the "Reresik Candi Borobudur" activity, BKB employees cleaned the temple manually by brushing the temple stones to remove dirt or moss and spraying them with water.
Head of the center, Wiwit Kasiyati, said the cleaning is required to preserve the temple and prevent damage.
"If it is not cleaned up, the stage of the damage can be more severe. We have a huge responsibility so we have to maintain and take care of the stones of Borobudur Temple," Kasiyati added.
She said that the cleaning activity has become the BKB's task in an effort to minimize the level of damage suffered by the ancient heritage.
According to her, later, when visitors are allowed to go up to the temple structure, they must wear special footwear called upanat sandals, which are also produced by the Borobudur community.
Kasiyati said that the center commemorates Archeology Day every year.
"The substance of commemorating cultural heritage continues to be held until now and we also carry out various activities," she explained.
Related news: Visitor influx exerting massive pressure on Borobudur structure
Between June 6 and June 11, 2022, BKB conducted a workshop on actualizing the relief value of Borobudur Temple through handicraft art, which included making batik, learning to carve, and sculpting, she informed.
According to the National Archaeological Research Center, the commemoration of National Archeology Day every June 14 began after the Dutch East Indies government officially established the Oudheidkundige Diens (Archeology Office) in 1913.
The office was asked to perform two functions—preserve ancient relics and conduct archaeological research, the center added.
Building awareness about archaeological research among the public can increase their understanding of history and past cultural values, as per the center's website.
Related news: Malaysian King and family visit Borobudur Temple
Translator: Heru S, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
