Borobudur temple, located in central Java, Indonesia, is one of the most magnificent ancient temples in the world. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and a popular tourist attraction. The temple has seen a significant increase in visitors in recent years, and the government has now implemented a new entrance fee structure. This new pricing structure has both positive and negative impacts on the tourism industry and local community.
The temple’s new entrance fee structure has come into effect from 1st January 2020. Previously, there was a fixed entrance fee for both local and foreign visitors. The new pricing structure differentiates between local and foreign visitors, and the price for foreigners has significantly increased compared to locals. This change in price aims to increase revenue and balance the number of local and foreign visitors.
One of the positive impacts of this new entrance fee structure is it will help to support the maintenance of the temple. The temple, which is more than 1200 years old, requires significant maintenance and restoration work. The funds collected from the entrance fees will be used for these essential works. This will help to preserve the cultural heritage site for future generations and ensure visitors can appreciate the site’s beauty and history.
However, a significant negative impact of this pricing structure is that it may discourage some foreign visitors from visiting the monument. The increase in price could make it less affordable for some tourists, causing a decrease in the number of foreign visitors. Moreover, it may reduce the tourism industry’s contribution to the local economy, which heavily depends on tourism. This decrease in foreign visitors could lead to a reduction in employment opportunities and income for the local community.
It should be noted that this new pricing structure will not affect the visiting locals, as the cost of entry has not increased for them. The new pricing structure aims to encourage local visitors to appreciate their cultural heritage, which is very important, as the temple is a crucial symbol of Indonesia’s rich cultural history.
In conclusion, the new entrance fee structure in Borobudur Temple has both positive and negative impacts on the tourism industry and local community. It provides much-needed funding for the maintenance and restoration of the temple while potentially discouraging some foreign visitors from visiting. Nonetheless, it is essential to preserve this cultural heritage site for the future, and we must acknowledge and support the government’s effort in maintaining our world’s cultural wonders.