This is the Surprise Awaited by Borobudur Temple's First Visitors in 2026

The first morning of 2026 at Borobudur Temple began not with crowds, but with a deeply meaningful small ceremony. At this UNESCO World Heritage site, management welcomed the year's first visitors not merely as tourists, but as part of Borobudur's enduring story.

The first visitors of 2026 received souvenirs from management and were given the opportunity to plant trees in the temple courtyard.

Operations Director of PT Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko Temple Tourism Park, Indung Purwita Jati, stated this annual event is held every year as a tribute to Borobudur Temple's inaugural visitors.

This tradition symbolizes how Tourism at Borobudur isn't just about seeing and photographing, but also giving back. Planting hope for the future in soil holding millennia of history.

He mentioned visitors welcomed by Borobudur management included both Domestic Tourists and foreign tourists. 

Domestic tourists were Elly Tjokro Amidjojo from Surabaya and Fara Atika Zahra from Magelang.

While Foreign Tourists included Hang Jongsoon from Korea and Daria from Brazil.

Before planting Bungur trees in the temple courtyard, they received souvenirs and were then paraded from the entrance accompanied by traditional Music and guided by two dancers.

This procession transformed an ordinary arrival into an unforgettable Cultural Experience.

"This activity is part of our effort to provide distinctive experiences when visiting cultural destinations," he stated on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Beyond ceremony, this initiative also affirms Borobudur tourism's new direction—more sustainable and meaning-oriented. 

Planting Bungur trees in the temple courtyard of Magelang Regency, Central Java symbolizes the reciprocal relationship between humans and nature, between guests and hosts.

Temple visitors during the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year holidays reached 90,000 people. (ANTARA)