Robert Draws – The Borobudur Creative Village in Magelang, Central Java, is gaining momentum as a popular tourist destination. Located within the Borobudur Temple Tourism Park, this newly established village is drawing both domestic and international visitors. Its lively atmosphere is a vibrant reflection of the community’s spirit, as local vendors eagerly welcome tourists and showcase an array of souvenirs, clothing, and traditional crafts unique to the region.
The Borobudur Creative Village is home to a remarkable 1,943 vendors who have embraced the opportunity to relocate to this revitalized area. These vendors now enjoy a more organized, comfortable, and clean space to operate, which has significantly improved their business environment. The transformation is largely due to a collaborative effort between the local government and the merchants themselves. Jimmy Belinda, Chairman of the Medang Kamulan Borobudur Cooperative, explains that the main goal of this redevelopment project is not only to support the expansion of the Borobudur Temple area but also to foster economic growth for the entire community, particularly the local vendors.
The positive outcomes of this initiative are evident in the vendors’ satisfaction. Many have shared that the new setup has made a world of difference, not just in terms of aesthetics but also in overall comfort. The clean and well-planned marketplace offers a pleasant shopping experience for tourists, encouraging them to linger and explore the diverse offerings. This bustling environment now serves as a key part of the Borobudur experience, complementing the temple’s grandeur with a lively, artistic flair.
“Read about: Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Influential Native American Artist, Dies at 85”
Supporting the development of the Borobudur Creative Village is the government of Central Java, which is fully backing this new tourist destination. Aria Chandra, Head of the Tourism Destination Development Division at the Central Java Tourism and Culture Department (Disporapar Jateng), emphasized the importance of maintaining and improving the infrastructure surrounding Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a priority tourist destination. According to Aria, the goal is to ensure that every aspect of the site, including the creative village, is carefully managed and developed to offer a fulfilling experience for visitors.
The provincial government’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism is evident in the strategic planning behind the creative village. With the temple being one of the most visited and culturally significant landmarks in Indonesia, maintaining its beauty and accessibility for both locals and tourists is paramount. The synergy between the government and local stakeholders, including the vendors, has proven to be a success. Visitors to the area not only enjoy the awe-inspiring Borobudur Temple but also have the opportunity to explore local art, crafts, and vibrant cultural displays within the creative village.
“Read more: Adriana Lima Magazine Features: A Journey Through Her Iconic Career”
In addition to the vibrant marketplace, the Borobudur Creative Village offers a range of cultural performances and artistic exhibitions to further enrich the tourist experience. The Borobudur Tourism Park (TWB) has collaborated with local artists to provide entertainment during the upcoming long holiday. Director of TWB, Mardijono Nugroho, explained that the cultural shows and artistic events aim to provide an engaging experience for visitors, ensuring that they are immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
One of the highlights of the creative village is the art gallery, where visitors can view a variety of paintings and artworks by national artists. These exhibitions offer a unique opportunity for tourists to witness the work of local and national artists, bringing an extra layer of cultural depth to the Borobudur experience. The inclusion of these exhibitions alongside the vibrant marketplace is designed to attract a diverse range of visitors, from art lovers to those seeking to enjoy the dynamic energy of the area.
Moreover, the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Borobudur Creative Village plays a significant role in adding to the festive ambiance. As local businesses thrive, the area has become an essential part of the broader Borobudur experience, contributing to the area’s economy while providing an attractive destination for tourists during peak seasons.
As Borobudur Creative Village continues to flourish, it holds promise as a cultural and artistic haven, contributing to the sustainable development of the region and providing an enriching experience for visitors.
