On 17 June 2022, the Government of Indonesia and UNESCO welcome H.E. Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany, at Borobudur Temple Compounds, on his official tour to Indonesia.

The German Federal Government was prompt to respond to UNESCO's call for support when Mount Merapi erupted in 2010, threatening the conservation of the iconic 9th century World Heritage monument with a thick layer of corrosive volcanic ash. Between 2011 and 2017, the site management office received training on assessing stone deterioration, locating the source of moisture damaging the temple reliefs, and cleaning the temple drainage system with the participation of German experts. The training was also provided to improve the archiving system and identify Buddha heads that were removed from their original locations. As a result of a seven-year effective collaboration, Borobudur Conservation Office became one of the best-trained conservation teams, providing guidance for other heritage sites in Indonesia, for long-term preservation.

The German Federal Government also supports sustainable practices at UNESCO designated sites, through the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ). These include the introduction of sustainable tourism for the home-stay owners in Borobudur villages, and sustainable agriculture practices in Lore Lindu Biosphere Reserve, Central Sulawesi, and Betung Kerihun Danau Sentarum Kapuas Hulu Biosphere Reserve, West Kalimantan.

During the visit, H.E. Federal President Steinmeier interacted with the Governor of Central-Java, H.E. Mr. Ganjar Pranowo, with representatives of the Ministry of Culture, Education, Science and Technology, the Borobudur site managers, representatives of local communities and the Director of UNESCO Jakarta, to appreciate the outcomes of the collaborative project.

UNESCO is grateful to the German Federal Government for its unfailing solidarity in preserving the cultural heritage of humanity.

Borobudur Temple Compounds