Shared faith key to boost Jakarta ties

Buddhism 'platform for fresh diplomacy'

- PORAMET TANGSATHAPORN

Indonesia is seeking to strengthen bilateral ties with Thailand through cooperation in sustainable tourism and their shared Buddhist heritage, as the two nations look to spiritual and cultural diplomacy to uplift local communities and protect sacred sites.

The message was highlighted during the “Waisak di Borobudur 2025” celebration held on May 12 at the iconic Borobudur Temple in Central Java. The event, co-organised by InJourney — Indonesia's state-owned tourism enterprise — and Walubi, or the Federation of Buddhist Organisations, brought together monks, officials and tourism leaders from across Southeast Asia.

Officials and organisers say that despite persistent challenges in physical connectivity, especially the lack of direct flights from Bangkok to Yogyakarta, cooperation on Buddhism and eco-tourism offers a powerful platform for long-term collaboration.

"Thailand and Indonesia have more than religious ties — we have shared values," said Ms Febrina Intan, director of the Borobudur Tourist Park. "We can work together on sustainable tourism that uplifts the local economy while preserving the sacredness of our heritage."

SHARED HERITAGE

Borobudur, a Unesco World Heritage site and the world’s largest Buddhist monument, is at the centre of Indonesia's shift toward sustainable tourism. Beyond its ancient stone stupas with hundreds of Buddha statues, it is now being promoted as a spiritual destination — not merely a tourist stop.