Borobudur’s Vesak Celebration Drives Local Tourism, Economic Boost

MAGELANG, Jakartaweekly.com—The celebration of the Three Holy Days of Vesak 2570 Buddhist Era (BE) at the Borobudur Temple compounds in Magelang, Central Java, has proven to be more than just a spiritual milestone for Buddhists. The annual event has once again delivered a significant boost to the regional tourism sector and the local economy.

The series of events, which spanned throughout May and culminated on Saturday, May 31, 2026, drew thousands of residents and tourists alike. Visitors gathered to witness a variety of religious and cultural activities, highlighted by the release of 2,570 lanterns into the night sky over Borobudur.

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana noted that the Vesak celebrations demonstrate how spiritual, cultural, and tourism values can coexist and mutually reinforce one another.

Beyond its profound religious significance for the Buddhist community, Widiyanti emphasized that Vesak serves as a powerful annual anchor for both domestic and international tourism.

“This underscores how spiritual heritage, culture, and tourism can thrive together, strengthening Indonesia’s global image as a nation that embraces and celebrates its diversity,” Widiyanti said in Magelang, June 1, 2026

She added that the release of the “lanterns of peace” remains one of the most highly anticipated highlights of the celebrations. This year, exactly 2,570 lanterns were launched to mark the 2570 BE milestone.

The spectacle goes beyond religious ritual; it offers a compelling cultural experience for travelers. The sight of thousands of glowing lanterns rising against the majestic backdrop of Borobudur Temple has become a visual icon of the Vesak celebrations and a primary growth driver for local visitor numbers.

The government views the successful execution of cultural and religious events like Vesak as a strategic lever to solidify Borobudur’s position as Indonesia’s premier spiritual and cultural tourism destination.

Attending the event, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka stated that the Vesak celebrations at Borobudur transcend religious observance, serving as a powerful symbol of Indonesia as a shared home that upholds peace and pluralism.

According to Gibran, unity and peace are critical capital for national development, particularly in shaping Indonesia’s reputation on the global stage.

Meanwhile, Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar highlighted that religious harmony in Indonesia remains robust. Ministry of Religious Affairs data shows the national Religious Harmony Index (KUB) currently stands above 76 percent.

“This figure reflects that, macroeconomically speaking, social cohesion and interfaith tolerance in Indonesia are in a highly healthy state. This metric must now be translated into moral sovereignty,” Nasaruddin remarked.

The Vesak 2570 BE celebrations were organized by the Representatives of the Indonesian Buddhist Community (WALUBI) and the Indonesian Mahanikaya Buddhist Council (MBMI), with full backing from both central and local governments.

In addition to religious rituals, the event lineup featured social initiatives, environmental campaigns, community service, and the peace lantern release, which continues to act as a major tourist magnet for the Borobudur area year after year.