Page 46 - Memory of the World filled with Color_revised Edition_online

88 Stepping foot into heritage sites gives visitors a unique cultural and historical experience. 89
Organized management and conservation are critical to providing such comprehensive
encounterings. The work requires many hands in terms of expertise, technique, and

partnership. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Borobudur Temple is a brilliant example
of global interaction, with its entire campaign recorded as an invaluable archive now
known as the ‘Borobudur Conservation Archives.’

One of the greatest Buddhist temples constructed by humankind, Borobudur Temple
is well known for its splendid portray of the Buddhist universe carved into its building
and stupas. Lost for around a millennium, Borobudur Temple was unearthed in the 19th

century and restored under the Borobudur Restoration Project (1973-1983). As one of
◆
the grandest international campaigns in terms of size and budget , it was a pivotal
project for the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, which now contributes to protecting
World Heritage. The Borobudur Conservation Archives presents how the international
community came together for a universal cause.

The synergy of global collaboration was well accomplished through Borobudur, having
various interdisciplinary conservation methods successfully developed with the alliance
of national and international experts. Bilateral interaction enabled the methods from

Borobudur to be taught and adapted for conserving Southeast Asia cultural heritage
sites. The Archive depicts a lively site of learning and change. At Borobudur, modern
techniques were first used for conservation. The gradual development of conservation
approach and science altered views on endangered heritage management. The
advancement of restoration techniques from Borobudur became milestones for
henceforth heritage management and conservation and were implemented onto other
World Heritage sites, notably Angkor, Cambodia.

The Archive is a paper-based x-ray bearing every step and stone of the Borobudur
Temple. The 10-year project was systematically documented, illustrating how every
temple element was examined and treated for its authenticity ◆◆ step by step. Its
detailed documentation was necessary for the ongoing project and future conservation
activities. As any new project would start with the data
◆
Costing more than $20 million with more of past intervention stages and objects deemed for
than 600 local workers involved
◆◆ conservation, it was crucial to have a comprehensive
Anastylosis method (reassembling
monuments or other artifacts from remaining and sophisticated archive. The head-to-toe analysis
fragments in an archeologically responsible created a priceless database on Borobudur Temple,
way) was utilized
contributing to the future learning experience and
providing a floor for innovation. The Archive is updated up to this date through the
safeguarding measures of the Borobudur Conservation Office, such as inventorying,
document classification, digitization, and informative database system creation.

Borobudur Conservation Archives