"This is the third International Thudong after 2023 and 2024," the ministry's Director General of Buddhist Community Guidance Supriyadi stated during a cross-ministerial meeting in Jakarta on Thursday.
The term "Thudong" originates from the Pali word "Dhutaga," referring to ascetic practices aimed at strengthening self-discipline and inner peace, while in Thai, it translates to walking (Thu Dong).
Thudong involves rigorous training designed to cultivate defense, patience, and mental fortitude, enabling practitioners to transcend worldly challenges and uphold Buddhist traditions.
According to Supriyadi, this journey is undertaken on foot, traversing diverse landscapes such as forests, villages, mountains, and other places. The extent of their journey correlates to the depth of their religiosity.
He noted that the 38 Bhantes began their journey from Bangkok on foot on February 6, 2025, crossing four countries: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
They are expected to arrive in Batam on April 16, 2025, and conclude their journey at Borobudur Temple on May 10, 2025, in time to attend the Vesak Day commemoration.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the 2025 Thudong Committee, Welly Widadi, stated that upon arrival in Batam, the Bhantes will fly to Jakarta, marking the beginning of their Indonesian leg and then proceed on foot to Borobudur Temple.
The monks' route will include stops at the National Monument (Monas), Bekasi, Cikarang, Karawang, Cikampek, Pamanukan, Losarang, Jatibarang, Cirebon, Losari, Brebes, Tegal, Pemalang, Pekalongan, Batang, Kendal, Semarang, Ungaran, Ambarawa, and Magelang, and before culminating at Borobudur Temple.
"The existence of Borobudur Temple in Indonesia is the reason of their visit to perform the highest religious rituals," Widadi remarked.
Meanwhile, Special Staff to the Religious Affairs Minister, Gugun Gumilar, stated that the government's focus is ensuring security for those Bhante in Indonesia until they return to Thailand.
"Thudong is not only a spiritual and preaching practice but also an international unifier," he stated.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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