We also hope what we have seen together, that in Indonesia, in Borobudur, the people are respecting each other regardless of religionMagelang, Central Java (ANTARA) - Buddhist monks performing the thudong pilgrimage from Thailand to Indonesia arrived at their final destination point in Borobudur Sub-district here on Wednesday (May 31) evening.
Thudong is a ritual performed by bhantes (Buddhist monks) that involves walking long distances, often up to a thousand kilometers, to emulate the Buddha.
While arriving at the Catra Jinadhammo Buddhism education centre, the monks were welcomed by Borobudur Sub-district Head Subiyanto, Magelang District Police Head Senior Commissioner Rurus Wicaksono, and Magelang City Police Head Adjunct Senior Commissioner Yolanda Evalyn Sebayang.
"We expressed our gratitude for the monks' willingness to stay here. We hope blessings will be abundant in this land of Borobudur," Subiyanto stated while welcoming the monks.
He said the monks' spirit to complete their 2,650-kilometre journey from Thailand to Borobudur with complete patience is exemplary behavior for all.
"We hope the spirit will spread to all of us. We also hope what we have seen together, that in Indonesia, in Borobudur, the people are respecting each other regardless of religion," the official said.
Meanwhile, the head of Thudong International, Welly Widadi, expressed his gratitude to all parties that contributed to the safe arrival of the monks performing the thudong ritual.
"This is not an easy task. The monks are amazing, and their health is also very stable. We also express our gratitude to the education centre management that have received the monks to stay for the next four days," Widadi stated.
He also commended Prabu Diaz, the leader of public organization Laskar Macan Ali, who despite being a Muslim, accompanied and escorted the monks during their journey to Borobudur.
"He is a Muslim, but his tolerance is outstanding. He escorted the monks, so they will not be harmed, and he has the spirit of responsibility to ensure the monks safely arrive at Borobudur Temple," he remarked.
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Translator: Heru Suyitno, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
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