TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat revealed that President Prabowo Subianto recounted the history of the Borobudur Temple to French President Emmanuel Macron. Prabowo accompanied Macron on a visit to the Borobudur Temple in Magelang Regency, Central Java Province, on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
The Cabinet Secretariat shared the moment in a post on its Instagram account. During the visit to the historical site, Prabowo personally drove a golf cart carrying them from the courtyard to the main stairs of the temple.
"Their intimacy was evident in their casual conversation and Prabowo's explanations about the history and uniqueness of Borobudur," as stated in the caption of the @sekretariat.kabinet account, cited on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Several pictures uploaded show Prabowo pointing to the stupas at Borobudur Temple while talking with Macron.
After accompanying Macron to the top of the site for about 45 minutes, Prabowo said that the Borobudur Temple is a masterpiece of world civilization. "The Borobudur Temple demonstrates Indonesia's commitment to the basic philosophy of the state, which is to respect all religions and beliefs," said Prabowo in Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, as observed via the President's Secretariat YouTube channel.
Prabowo stated that Indonesia and France are great nations with a long history. The culture of both countries is deeply rooted. According to Prabowo, both countries also share the same spirit of tolerance.
"Tolerance respects cultural heritage. Respecting all religions, races, and ethnicities. We want to maintain a harmonious life. We believe that collaboration is the key to achieving a better life," he said.
On the same occasion, Macron stated that the Borobudur Temple is evidence of Indonesia's excellence. He said the Borobudur Temple is a source of inspiration. "Borobudur is a place of worship where hundreds or even thousands of people gather to pray. It conveys a message of tolerance and respect," he said.
Hendrik Yaputra contributed to the writing of this article
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