ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the role of the Borobudur Temple Compounds World Heritage Site in Central Java, Indonesia for socio-economic development through tourism. Built in the eighth century Ad, the Borobudur temple complex is one of the principal tourism attractions in Indonesia. The Buddhist temples are located in Magelang Regency, Central Java Province and incorporate multiple sites, including the Borobudur Temple (the main temple) and the smaller Mendut and Pawon Temples. Between 1973 and 1983, the temple compounds were restored under the coordination of UNESCO in conjunction with a national executive agency and an international supervisory committee. The complex became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Although the Buddhist temple is situated in a predominantly Muslim community, it is still used by Buddhists, especially for the Vesak ceremony on the day of the full moon in May, which celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.
