Beyond Borobudur: Other Vesak Celebration Spots in Indonesia

Vesak Day celebrations are often associated with the Borobudur Temple in Magelang. Especially after the Thudong ritual in 2023, where 32 monks from Thailand journeyed to Borobudur Temple to celebrate Vesak Day. The Thudong ritual itself is a religious journey covering thousands of kilometers on foot, across various terrains. One of the goals of this ritual is to train the monks in patience.

The Thudong ritual carried out by Thai monks is still being performed during Vesak celebrations in 2024 and 2025. However, the ritual gained massive attention online since it was the first time in 2023. This has also helped Borobudur Temple gain more recognition as one of the key centres of the Vesak celebration. 

Vesak Celebration in Indonesia

Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, making it naturally one of the main centers of the Vesak celebration. However, aside from Borobudur Temple, there are also other regions in Indonesia that celebrate Vesak, including:

Muaro Jambi Temple

Muaro Jambi Temple is part of the National Cultural Heritage Area (KCBN) which is located on the banks of the Batanghari River in Muaro Jambi Village, Maro Sebo District, Muaro Jambi Regency, Jambi Province. In 2024, the Muaro Jambi Temple became one of the destinations for the Thai monks during the Thudong ritual.

In the Muaro Jambi National Cultural Heritage Area (KCBN), there are many temples that have been successfully restored by archaeologists since 1975. The Vesak celebration is held at Kedaton Temple and is attended by thousands of Buddhists from various regions across Indonesia.

Sewu Temple

Did you know that within the Prambanan Temple complex, there is the second-largest Buddhist temple in Central Java, which is centuries older than Prambanan? Yup, that's Sewu Temple, which you can visit while exploring Prambanan Temple. It's located just around 800 meters away from the main complex, and you can get there on foot or hop on a shuttle car.

Despite its name, 'Sewu Temple' (with sewu meaning 'a thousand' in Javanese), the complex actually consists of just 249 structures. In 2025, the Vesak celebration at Sewu Temple will be held by the Indonesian Buddhayana Family (KBI) and is set to take place from May 11 to May 12, 2025, featuring a series of events. Those who want to take part in the celebration can register through their local branch of the Indonesian Buddhayana Council (MBI).

Jiwa Temple

Did you know that Karawang also has a Buddhist temple? It's called Jiwa Temple! The temple is located across two villages, Segaran and Telagajaya and two districts, Batujaya and Pakisjaya, Karawang, West Java. The Jiwa Temple holds a mystical reputation, as many livestock mysteriously die upon passing through the temple area. That's why locals name the temple 'Jiwa Temple.'

The Jiwa Temple may not appear as majestic as Borobudur Temple or Sewu Temple. It's also situated in the middle of rice fields. Even in its form, the temple appears as nothing more than a ruin, and it's estimated that there are still remnants buried beneath the site. Despite this, the temple is the oldest in West Java and serves as the center of Vesak celebrations for Buddhists in the region. 

These are three other locations for Vesak celebrations, aside from Borobudur Temple. So, if you're looking to experience a different atmosphere for this year's Vesak celebrations, you can consider visiting one of these places. However, there's one important thing you shouldn’t forget: make sure that your journey is protected with Domestic Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia. Even if you're traveling domestically, accidents can still happen. So, don't forget to purchase your policy and enjoy celebrating Vesak Day at your favorite temple!