Indonesia requires tourists to wear "special sandals" at the world's largest Buddhist wonder

Indonesia requires tourists to wear "special sandals" at the world's largest Buddhist wonder

Tourists visiting Borobudur Temple - the world's largest Buddhist monument in central Java, Indonesia - are being asked to try out special sandals called "upanat".

Rustam Efendi, Deputy Minister of Coordination of Maritime Affairs and Investment, said that the Indonesian government requires visitors to wear "upanat" sandals to preserve the stone steps up and down the Borobudur temple. The “upanat” sandals are made from woven pandan leaves, specially designed to be light and comfortable on the feet. According to Mr. Rustam, "upanat" sandals use local materials, are the products of local people, so it is expected to bring economic benefits to the community.

In 2020, the Borobudur Temple Conservation Authority had to temporarily close part of the temple to assess and restore stupas, stone steps that were worn or damaged due to a large number of visitors. The agency also prohibits visitors from touching or stepping on fragile statues and stupas in the temple.

Borobudur Temple

Located about 41 km northwest of Yogyakarta, Indonesia's ancient capital, Borobudur Temple was built in AD 778 and completed 50 years later. With ancient, sophisticated and magnificent architecture, Borobudur Temple was recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1991.