In a statement received on Sunday Zon said the relocation of the statue marks an important step in national cultural development efforts.
The statue was previously buried beneath the main stupa of Borobudur Temple and later stored at the Karmawibhangga Museum for preservation.
It has now been relocated to Kenari Field within the Borobudur Temple complex to make it more accessible to the public and pilgrims engaging in religious and cultural tourism.
“The statue relocation has been consulted with artists, cultural figures, local leaders, as well as Bhantes and monks,” Zon said regarding the collaborative process.
He added that placing the statue at Kenari Field is hoped to strengthen its cultural and spiritual value while also improving tourism access.
The minister expressed appreciation to the Borobudur Village Traditional Institution community for organizing the customary procession through a Wayang Ruwat performance led by puppeteer Ki Dalang Darmo Widjoyo.
The ceremony included prayers led by local religious leaders as part of the traditional ritual marking the placement of the Unfinished Buddha.
“With this tradition, we witness a spiritual journey aimed at seeking blessings and goodness, while complementing and perfecting what we already have,” he said.
The Borobudur Temple area preserves monumental cultural heritage and layers of civilization that form an important part of the nation’s history.
The Unfinished Buddha is considered incomplete due to its imperfect carvings which offer room for scientific and archaeological interpretation by researchers.
This unique artifact reflects the distinctiveness of Indonesia’s civilization and continues to serve as a significant religious and cultural landmark.
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Translator: Farhan, Kenzu
Editor: Arie Novarina
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