Macron's Magelang visit spurs province's tourism prospects: Governor

Magelang (ANTARA) - The recent visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to the Military Academy and Borobudur Temple in Magelang District, Central Java, is expected to boost tourism in the province, Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi stated.

"We are confident that the visit will give a boost to tourism destinations in Central Java, particularly the Borobudur Temple," he remarked in Magelang on Thursday (May 29) after accompanying Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and his French counterpart during the visit.

Luthfi noted that an increase in tourist visits to Borobudur would bring economic benefits to the surrounding regions by creating new opportunities in tourism-related sectors.

In this context, the governor highlighted that Borobudur Temple is projected to serve as the central axis of a new tourism agglomeration zone linked with other regional destinations, such as Kopeng Village and Lake Rawa Pening in Semarang District.

He also expressed optimism that President Macron's visit would lead to broader gains beyond tourism, particularly in encouraging the growth of creative economic activities in Central Java and Indonesia as a whole.

“This (visit) offers huge potential benefits to our region,” he remarked.

Earlier, at the Borobudur Temple, President Prabowo informed President Macron that UNESCO had recognized the world's largest Buddhist temple as a World Heritage site for its rich historical and spiritual values.

He emphasized that the presence of the temple reflects the Indonesian nation's deep respect for cultural and religious diversity.

Describing France as a like-minded country, Prabowo expressed confidence that Indonesia’s harmonious bilateral ties with the country would remain strong and continue to thrive.

President Macron, in turn, praised Borobudur Temple as a testament to Indonesia's cultural, historical, and artistic achievements.

He described the temple as more than a monument, calling it a symbol of human excellence and a source of inspiration for the world.

The French president also highlighted opportunities for enhanced bilateral cooperation in the creative industry, noting that many Indonesian filmmakers, artists, and designers have already made their mark through prominent events in France.