Borobudur as Cultural Landscape

Book excerpt: Borobudur is a 9th-century Buddhist temple site in Central Java, Indonesia. As a cultural landscape, Borobudur is a site of active discussion. Since the start of the International Field School on Borobudur Cultural Landscape Heritage, the site of Borobudur as a cultural landscape (including its mountains, fields, villages, and historic tangible and intangible items) has been considered in light of the role, and potential role, local communities and organization have in conservation and the living environment. How can Borobudur as cultural landscape be described? How are diverse activities related? How can individuals contribute to its sustainability? This comprehensive volume considers these questions and presents discussions by academics and local community members. The book considers cultural landscape heritage - saujana heritage - and discusses the idea of 'evolutive conservation.' It presents geographical, geological, and ecological perspectives. It also investigates the ancient lake that once existed, as well as the topography and landscapes. The book looks at the regional planning system and describes the history and potential of local communities and organizations with a focus on tourism and development. [Subject: Asian Studies, Indonesian Studies, Conservation, Environmental Studies]