Last year, Indonesia successfully held the 2023 ASEAN Chair, including hosting the 2023 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), which took place in Yogyakarta. Laos holds the Chair of ASEAN 2024 and is hosting the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Vientiane from January 23-27, 2024.

However, Indonesia still has a significant role in holding the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024. Indonesia's participation in the ATF 2024 events encompasses various activities, starting from the NTO's (National Tourism Organization) Media Briefing for the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 to the Travel Exchange (Travex), a key agenda for ATF 2024 in Laos.

Carefully preparing for its involvement in Travex 2024, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy/Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf) presented the Wonderful Indonesia pavilion with the theme of Borobudur Temple from January 24-26, 2024. Additionally, the ministry actively promoted Candirejo Tourism Village as the primary destination offered to buyers.

So, why were these two destinations in Central Java exhibited at Travex, ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024?

Borobudur, the Largest Buddhist Temple

In addition to being designated as one of the 5 Super Priority Tourism Destinations (DPSP), Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. This fact was one of the reasons for showcasing Borobudur Temple at the Travex 2024 event in Laos. Around 68% of Laos's population adheres to Buddhist teachings. The aim is to attract tourists from Laos to Indonesia, especially to Borobudur Temple.

Photo: A close-up view of the splendor of Borobudur temple while riding a delman (Shutterstock/Curlychin28)

Traveling to Borobudur Temple is not only about seeing the splendor and architectural beauty of the temple building. In the Borobudur Temple area, tourists can also take part in thematic tours: Borobudur Trail of Civilization (BToC), which is a thematic travel pattern initiated by Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf with nine tour sub-themes inspired by the beautiful reliefs at Borobudur Temple.

The nine sub-themes include Waluku, Body and Soul, Skilled Hands, Tropical Flora Wonderland, Walking with Stars, Sudhana Manohara, Journey of The Stones, Jataka Fable Stories, and Music and Rhyme. This new style of thematic tourism can attract more tourists to Borobudur Temple.

To Know the Javanese Culture of Candirejo Tourism Village

The organizers showcased not only the Borobudur Temple but also the Candirejo Tourism Village at the Travex 2024 event in Laos. Situated in the Borobudur district of Magelang, Central Java, this tourism village has significant potential that authorities plan to develop into a new tourist attraction around the Borobudur temple area.

Starting from natural tourism, agricultural systems, community activities, culture, and crafts to typical food can be the attraction of Candirejo Tourism Village. Interestingly, the local community has also developed educational tourism in the village area to attract tourists.

Sobat Parekraf can do many exciting activities in Candirejo Tourism Village. Some of them include exploring the village on a buggy or bicycle, rafting on the river, and off-roading by jeep to Menoreh Hill.

In addition, the Candirejo Tourism Village is also often referred to as a symbol of Javanese culture. This village still adheres closely to ancient culture and traditions in the daily lives of its people. So, it is unsurprising that visiting this tourist village feels like you have entered a time tunnel thanks to the strong traditional Javanese atmosphere. The Candirejo Tourism Village often stages Karawitan, Wayang, and Cokekan, which are tourist attractions in the tourist village.

With its well-preserved natural beauty and culture, along with promotions at the Travex 2024 event in Laos, Candirejo Tourism Village aims to reach a broader audience and attract foreign tourists.

Cover: Borobudur Temple is one of the five Super Priority Tourism Destinations (Shutterstock/Bule Sky Studio)