INDONEWSIAN.COM – Thirty-six Thai monks arrived at Borobudur Temple on Saturday, marking the culmination of a spiritual pilgrimage spanning over 2,500 kilometres on foot from Thailand to Indonesia in celebration of Vesak Day.
The monks were participants in International Thudong 2025, a Buddhist pilgrimage that began on Feb 6 at Sanam Luang in Bangkok.
Their journey took them across four countries – Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia – before concluding at the majestic Borobudur Temple, a Unesco World Heritage site and the world’s largest Mahayana Buddhist temple, located in Central Java.
Supriyadi, director general of Buddhist Community Guidance at Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, said this marks the third year of the International Thudong event, following its inaugural editions in 2023 and 2024.
The monks entered Muslim-majority Indonesia through Batam city on April 16, took a flight to Jakarta and resumed walking towards Borobudur. Their arrival at the temple’s gate at 4.20pm on Saturday was met with a warm welcome.
People of various faiths, including Muslims and Christians, gathered to offer flowers and join in peaceful meditation, symbolising interfaith harmony and spiritual solidarity.
Gugun Gumilar, Special Staff to the Religious Affairs Minister, said the Indonesian government would ensure the monks” safety throughout their stay.
Speaking to the press after offering prayers at the main stupa, Phra Khru Wichai, a 53-year-old senior monk from Wat Khao Phiseu Thongkham in Phetchabun province, expressed deep emotion.
Despite being here for the first time at Borobudur and in Indonesia, I feel as though I’ve returned home. Gazing upon the Buddha statue within the central stupa felt akin to discovering a cherished fragment of my soul that had been absent for years.
He pondered the spiritual might of the temple, stating: “Every stone that makes up this temple stands as evidence to the shared belief of individuals coming together to create something awe-inspiring.”
When questioned regarding Indonesia’s religious variety, Phra Khru Wichai commended the nation’s peaceful coexistence.
Regardless of variations in belief and communication, all individuals share a universal hope — achieving harmony via acceptance. This embodies unity within diversity indeed. Be they Buddhists, Christians, or Muslims, we form a single collective.
He mentioned that although Buddhists constitute a small group within Indonesia, their total count remains considerable because of the nation’s substantial populace. He also conveyed hope for the expansion of Buddhism across the area.
He emphasized the greater importance of the pilgrimage, particularly considering that both Thailand and Indonesia are marking 75 years of diplomacy this year. He stated that religion has the potential to act as a connecting link between countries.
During their trip, they recounted an instance where the monks had the opportunity to engage in conversation with a Catholic priest soon after a new pontiff assumed office at the Vatican.
‘We talked about how different religions from different countries can unite to foster peace, harmony and mutual respect,’ he said.
‘This thudong is more than a journey. It’s a spiritual light that guides us towards working together across faiths to bring peace to a divided world,’ he said.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
