TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon clarified that there are no plans to build an escalator at Borobudur Temple, Central Java. He dismissed circulating issues regarding the construction of a lift or escalator as false news or hoaxes.
"I'd like to emphasize that the news is all hoax. There is no such thing as the installation of a lift at Borobudur Temple," said Fadli at the Senayan Parliamentary Complex, Jakarta, on Monday, May 26, 2025.
According to him, the government is attempting to procure a special moving chairlift, not an escalator, to improve accessibility. He mentioned that this facility is intended to support accessibility for individuals with physical limitations.
Fadli stated that an inclusive facility to reach the upper parts of the world's largest Buddhist temple is greatly needed by people with disabilities and senior religious figures with mobility challenges.
He cited examples of sites worldwide, such as the Acropolis in Greece, the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, and the Great Wall of China, which utilize chairlift facilities.
He also assured that the proposed facility would not damage the site, as its design is not massive and does not require penetration of the cultural heritage structure. The installation will be non-permanent and can be removed when not in use. Additionally, there will also be a ramp or portable ramp made of wood and special pads as an accessibility solution that meets preservation standards.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), Hasan Nasbi, confirmed that the Indonesian government is preparing a staircase lift or stairlift at Borobudur Temple in order to facilitate the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, scheduled for May 28 or 29, 2025. President Prabowo Subianto will also accompany Macron.
"Borobudur is as high as our 12-story office building. The state visit of President Macron is limited in time. Facilities are thus being prepared to access every floor and level at Borobudur," he said at his office in Jakarta on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Hasan added that the Indonesian government will provide a kind of step-free path to help Macron and Prabowo reach the 4th floor. Subsequently, the government will prepare a stairlift from the 5th or 8th floor to the top of Borobudur Temple.
Hasan claimed that the government's aim in providing this facility is to enhance time efficiency. "Using a stairlift will make the time more efficient," he said.
As widely reported, videos and images circulated on X, YouTube, and Instagram, claiming that an escalator was being prepared at Borobudur Temple to welcome the arrival of President Prabowo and President Macron, which was scheduled for Thursday, May 29, 2025.
Hendrik Yaputra contributed to the writing of this article
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