The fifth day of the International Course on Multiculturalism and Humanity (ICOMUH) 2026 saw delegates from Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) along with other participants trade classroom lectures for an immersive journey through Java’s spiritual heritage and coastal landscape, visiting the iconic Borobudur Temple and the rugged shores of Watu Kodok.
One of the most impressive aspects of Borobudur is its commitment to sustainable tourism and heritage conservation. The day began early as participants departed their dormitory at 5:20 a.m., arriving at the cool, mist-shrouded grounds of the ancient site in Magelang Regency. Standing before the world’s largest Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site, delegates were introduced firsthand to centuries of Javanese history, spiritual tradition, and the meticulous restoration efforts that protect it for future generations.
The use of electric shuttle vehicles within the complex helps minimize air pollution and noise, creating a cleaner and more peaceful environment for visitors. The site also limits the number of visitors allowed to climb the temple each day to reduce overcrowding and preserve the monument’s structural integrity.
Guided by local historians, participants learned how the 9th-century monument was constructed on a natural hill—reflected in its name, derived from Boro (temple) and Budur (hill)—and later abandoned following major volcanic eruptions from nearby Mount Merapi. The tour detailed the temple’s modern revival, from initial 20th-century restoration efforts to ongoing conservation strategies designed to protect its intricate stone reliefs and iconic stupas, which symbolize the Buddhist concept of Nirvana.
Beyond its historical weight, the visit highlighted Indonesia’s progressive approach to sustainable heritage management. To safeguard the ancient volcanic stone from erosion, all visitors are required to wear Upanat—specially woven traditional sandals designed to minimize friction. The complex also utilizes electric shuttles to curb carbon emissions and enforces strict daily visitor caps on the temple’s upper tiers to prevent overcrowding and structural wear.
According to the local guide, Borobudur remains a central site for Vesak celebrations, marking the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. Abandoned for centuries following natural disasters—primarily earthquakes and volcanic activity—the monument was eventually rediscovered and underwent initial restoration between 1907 and 1911, followed by a major secondary project to reinforce its structure.
Delegates learned that the main stupa at the summit symbolizes Nirvana, the ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism. By tradition, pilgrims ascend by walking clockwise around each level. Devotees and monks demonstrate their reverence through rituals such as kneeling and kissing the ground in quiet reflection.
The guide also addressed why numerous Buddha statues lack heads, explaining that centuries of seismic activity and eruptions from nearby Mount Merapi severely damaged the monument. Nevertheless, meticulous restoration efforts have preserved much of the site, with subtle variations in texture and color allowing visitors to distinguish original stones from restored sections.
Continuous restoration and maintenance efforts ensure that damaged stones are carefully repaired while preserving as much of the original structure as possible. These sustainable practices demonstrate how Borobudur balances tourism with the responsibility of protecting one of the world’s most valuable cultural heritage sites for future generations.
The delegates’ journey continued toward the southern coastline of Indonesia to Watu Kodok , also known as “Rock Frog Beach.” Famous for its towering waves and refreshing sea breeze, the beach offered a completely different experience from the peaceful atmosphere of Borobudur. Watching the powerful waves crash against the shore, many of us wondered how local fishermen bravely navigate the rough waters every day.
As night fell over the southern coast of Java, delegates gathered at the ANDI Hotel near Watukodok Beach for the official closing ceremony of the International Course on Multiculturalism and Humanity (ICOMUH) 2026, marking the formal conclusion of an intensive week of cross-cultural learning, academic dialogue, and field exposure.
The closing program was highlighted by inspiring reflections by Dr. Arie Kusuma Paksi, professor in International Relations at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) and Chairperson of ICOMUH; Dr. Chotani Vindu Mai of the University of Tsukuba; and Ms. Lulu A. Melchor-Cayon, Coordinator of the HCDC’s Institute of ASEAN-European Studies under the Center for Internationalization.
In his address, Dr. Arie emphasized that the core vision of ICOMUH is to connect people by bridging diverse cultures and communities across the ASEAN region and beyond. He urged participants to carry the spirit of the program forward by actively nurturing people-to-people exchanges, fostering cross-border friendships, and building enduring networks of regional solidarity. As a gesture of international goodwill and gratitude, delegates and partner institutions exchanged tokens and cultural gifts to symbolize mutual friendship and institutional cooperation. The ceremony officially ended at 9:15 p.m. with laughter, meaningful conversations, and grateful hearts.
Day 5 advanced key UN SDGs: Borobudur’s eco-tourism model embodied SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), heritage discussions supported SDG 4 (Quality Education), coastal observations at Watu Kodok highlighted SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and the cross-border delegation exchange fostered SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).