Japanese Emperor Naruhito visits Borobudur Temple

Magelang, Central Java (ANTARA) - Emperor of Japan Hironomiya Naruhito visited Borobudur Temple in Magelang District, Central Java, on Thursday.

During his visit, Emperor Naruhito was accompanied by Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, who said that the emperor enthusiastically listened to the explanation on the temple provided by a tour guide.

"He even took selfies," he remarked.

The governor stated that the emperor's seven-day visit to Indonesia serves as proof of the harmonious relations fostered between Japan and Indonesia.

"This cooperation yields important things, be it in diplomatic, political, and economic terms. We can make the most of this good relationship," he pointed out.

Meanwhile, Educator Staff of Museum and Cultural Heritage Mura Aristina, after guiding Emperor Naruhito on his visit, said that the emperor went up only to the ninth floor of the temple, as the 10th floor is dedicated for worship purposes.

"We told (the emperor) that the top floor, or the 10th floor, is specifically used for worship. He fully understood and respected it," Aristina noted.

Hence, the emperor went up only to the ninth floor of the temple and spent approximately half an hour there while listening to Aristina's explanation on the reason why Borobudur Temple was built on a hill area close to rivers.

"There is a confluence of the Elo and Progo rivers not far from here. The stones from the rivers were brought here and used to build the temple," he explained.

He said the emperor, with his cell phone camera, took pictures of several temple reliefs.

Apart from Governor Pranowo, the Japanese emperor was also welcomed by President Director of PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur and Ratu Boko Febrina Intan as well as sub-coordinator of Borobudur World Heritage Wiwit Kasiati.