Archaeologist: 'Borobudur Stairlift Proof of Sustainable Development is Just Jargon'

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The installation of a stairlift, or a device to facilitate going up and down the stairs at Borobudur Temple in Indonesia some time ago was carried out without impact analysis and clear procedures. However, Borobudur Temple is a World Heritage site strictly regulated by UNESCO.

As is known, a portable stairlift was installed to accommodate the visit of President Prabowo Subianto and President Macron on May 29, 2025. The discussion resurfaced in the online discussion 'Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) in the Utilization of World Heritage' by the Indonesian Archaeological Experts Association (IAAI) on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

"The problem that we feel as conservators is that sometimes potential users in the utilization of Borobudur Temple move so fast, while the conservators move slowly and with caution," said archaeologist and General Chairman of IAAI Marsis Sutopo in the discussion.

Marsis explained that in principle, the installation of facilities such as a stairlift must undergo in-depth studies such as the analysis of the impact on the cultural heritage. This study includes the potential impacts and mitigation measures before the project is implemented.

Similar views came from archaeologist and cultural activist Daud Aris Tanudirjo. He questioned the absence of HIA or Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment (CHIA) - a similar instrument to the EIA specifically for development related to cultural heritage - for the installation of the stairlift. "So these regulations are not really considered, but more on willingness," he said.

Daud assessed that this willingness is not accompanied by a study of whether it is actually feasible or not. This is then considered to have caused sustainable development so far to be merely a slogan. "Because there are many regulations that are only in the form of documents including spatial plans and so on, but not really implemented."

This is a reminder from the former UGM lecturer and current Chairman of the Council for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage in Yogyakarta, that HIA is not an instrument created to impede development projects, but rather as a planning tool focused on sustainable development. "Efforts to recognize and evaluate the potential impacts that will occur due to development and expansion activities, including their utilization," he said.

The ultimate goal is to formulate mitigation measures so that the impact can be reduced or eliminated, allowing the development to proceed.

Furthermore, he explained that the success indicators of cultural heritage preservation are determined by several main factors. The four most dominant causes are natural disasters, natural processes, inadequate conservation policies or poor management, and uncontrolled development activities.

Editor's Choice: Stairlift at Borobudur Temple May Become Permanent, Says Culture Minister

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