Jakarta, Sept 26 (Antara) - Before the advent of Islam, Buddhism was flourishing in Indonesia, which continues to display numerous historical heritages, such as relics, artefacts and glorious temples.
The most popular Buddhist Temple in Indonesia is the 9th century Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, which was once included in the seven wonders of the world.
The other temple which bears historical importance, yet is not known well globally, is the Muarojambi Temple in Jambi, Sumatra. Though little known, this temple complex is a link with the history of Tibet.
According to a noted monk, the Buddhist teaching of morality now being developing in Tibet was basically born at the Muarojambi Temple in the 11th century.
It was adopted from the teaching of Grand Buddhist teacher Atisha, who spent years studying Buddhism at the Muarojambi temple, before he returned to Tibet to spread the teaching.
"The teaching was brought back to Tibet. Up to now, the international Buddhist community in Tibet still preserves the morality teachings of Grand Teacher Guru Atisha," said Monk Jangchup Choeden, who led a delegation of seven monks from India, Nepal and Bhutan on a religious tour of the Muarojambi temple on Sunday (September 25).
Jangchup Choeden also said the Buddhist teaching of morality in Tibet was adopted from the teaching of Guru Atisha of Muarojambi, Jambi province.
He said the Muarojambi Temple complex in the 11th century was the 'campus', or the center of Buddhiism education at that time.
Now, the temple compound covers 2,612 hectares, with at least 82 ancient buildings made of brick construction and located in the Muarojambi District, Jambi Province. From Jambi city, the site is less than a 40 kilometer trip and can be reached by land or on the river in one hour.
Based on archaeological research and historical sources, the Muarojambi Temple Compound Site was once the centre for worship and education of the Buddhist religion in the period of the Ancient Malay Kingdom from the 7th - 14th century AD.
Guru Jangchup Choeden explained that during the Muarojambi era in the 11th century, the Great Guru Atisha of Tibet lived and studied morality in the Muarojambi Temple complex for 11 years, from about 1011-1023 AD.
"Therefore, the teaching of Guru Atisha in Tibet has close relations with Buddhist teachings in Muarojambi. This is proven by archaeological findings and by its history," he said.
During his tour of the largest Southeast Asian temple complex, Jangchup Choeden said he and the monks from his delegation were very impressed with the temple's buildings.
"The Muarojambi Temple belongs to the Indonesian people. It is an archaeological and cultural preserve that may not be treated at will. It should be protected and preserved together, because it is the world's heritage," he said.
In the meantime, Culture observer Hardi Chung said the Indonesian people have the obligation to promote Moarojambi Temple to the world to attract international tourists and communities.
"All parties need to support the development of tourism, taking the advantage of information technology advancements. It is the obligation of the people of Jambi to promote the Muarojambi Temple as a site of religious tourism," Hardi Chung was quoted by Antara correspondent Dodi Saputra as saying on Sunday.
After accompanying the seven monks during their visit on the Muarojambi religious tour, Chung said the people of Jambi can promote their religious tourism potential and the history of Muarojambi Temple.
"We can promote it continuously and consistently in our own ways. It can be done in the easiest way, such as through gadgets and social media, such as Facebook, Instagram and others," he said.
Based on Law No. 11/2010 on Preserving Culture, the Indonesian people are required to help introduce and promote the tourism potential of Indonesia, including the Jambi tourism, to the world.
"Promoting it through social media is good, as international communities would directly look at our tourism potential, thus we can attract them," he explained.
Of note, the government has decided to transform the tourism sector into one of its core businesses, and one of the main foreign exchange earners in the future, as stated in the Nawacita development priority program of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
"This year, the government has set a target to attract the arrivals of 10 million foreign tourists, with each having a length of stay of three days. Of course, they will spend money and have an impact on the economic activities of the people," Chung explained.
The development of the Muarojambi Temple complex is in line with the development program of President Jokowi. For the Muarojambi Temple site is rich in historical values and can become one of the country's magnets in increasing regional economic activities in the tourism sector.
"The Muarojambi Temple can serve as a magnet to boost regional economic activities. A large number of foreign tourists to Jambi will automatically help generate local economic activities," he said.***4*** (A014/INE/o001)
(T.A014/A/BESSR/O. Tamindael) 26-09-2016 12:47: |
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