Luhut also said that based on the input received, his ministry was considering providing special tariffs for residents of Central Java and Yogyakarta. And later all tourists who want to visit Borobudur Temple are required to make an online reservation. This is done to regulate the number of visitors.
Local residents will also be invited to contribute more. All tourists will have to use local tour guides in Borobudur. In addition, tourists are required to use special sandals so as not to damage the staircases and structures in the temple. These sandals will be produced by residents and SMEs around the temple.
“As a culture-rich nation, we certainly don’t want to be seen as unable to preserve our own cultural heritage. So, special treatment is needed in this respect,” argued Luhut.
In response, the Deputy Chair of the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies (ASITA), Budijanto Ardiansyah, said he was surprised.