The Indonesian government requires tourists to wear “upanat” sandals to preserve the stone steps leading up and down to Borobudur temple, said Rustam Efendi, Indonesia’s deputy minister for maritime affairs and investment.
The “upanat” slippers are made from woven pandan leaves, specially designed to be light and comfortable for the feet. According to Mr. Rustam, “upanat” slippers use local materials, are products of local people, and are therefore expected to bring economic benefits to the community.
"Upanat" sandals are a product of local people - Photo: internet
In 2020, the Borobudur Temple Conservation Authority had to temporarily close a part of the temple to assess and restore the stupas and stone steps that had been eroded or damaged by the large number of visitors. The agency also banned visitors from touching or stepping on fragile statues and stupas in the temple.
Borobudur Temple, also known as Barabodur or Ba La Phu Do, is a 9th-century Buddhist temple located in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Located about 41 km northwest of the ancient capital of Yogyakarta, Borobudur is one of the largest Buddhist temples and monuments in the world. In 1991, Borobudur Temple was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Borobudur is one of the largest Buddhist temples and monuments in the world - Photo: Internet
