Borobudur, located about 42 kilometers west of Yogyakarta or 93 kilometers south of Semarang, stands as one of Asia’s largest and most breathtaking monuments. Built during the eighth century, the golden age of the Sailendra dynasty, this magnificent structure is dedicated to the glory of Buddha and reflects the influences of numerous rich cultures.
Experts estimate that the structure is composed of over two million stones, with a volume of 55,000 cubic meters. Along the corridors of each floor, intricate reliefs depicting sacred tales stretch for an impressive 13 kilometers. The temple is adorned with over 1,400 stupas and approximately 430 statues.
For centuries, Borobudur was left neglected, allowing moss and lichen to overgrow its surface. The monument was in danger of disappearing entirely. Its structure was crumbling due to the harsh tropical climate, earthquakes, and landslides. Humidity and mold were also damaging its intricate sculptures. To prevent its complete destruction, Indonesia sought UNESCO’s assistance in creating a comprehensive restoration plan. Twenty-seven member states and numerous non-governmental organizations contributed over six and a half million dollars to this monumental project. Indonesia provided the majority of the funding to save the temple.
The restoration, which involved the coordinated efforts of hundreds of scientists, archaeologists, technicians, and manual laborers, spanned over ten years. They meticulously registered and moved a million stone blocks and restored over 10,000 more within the monument’s structure. On February 23, 1983, the restoration was declared complete. Borobudur is now expected to endure for another thousand years.
For the Indonesian people, Borobudur is more than just a temple. It is a testament to the advanced civilization of their ancestors. Indonesia continues to develop the temple’s environment for educational purposes. The temple, archaeological garden, archaeological museum, and library will attract greater attention from scientists, researchers, and tourists alike.
Vocabulary:
- archeologist
- crumble
- depict
- disappear
- draw up
- forefather
- golden age
- neglect
- overgrown
- proof
- provide
- restoration
- register
- sculpture
- set back
- stretch
The Forgotten Legacy

Dr. Amelia Harding, a seasoned archeologist, stood before the crumbling facade of a forgotten temple, its once-proud entrance now choked by overgrown vines. The air hung heavy with the scent of decay and the whispers of a lost civilization.
For years, she had dedicated her life to uncovering the secrets of this ancient site, a place shrouded in legend and neglect. The local villagers spoke of a golden age, a time when their ancestors had thrived under the benevolent rule of a powerful king. But time had eroded their memories, leaving only fragmented stories and a few crumbling remnants.
Amelia had spent countless hours poring over ancient texts, piecing together the scattered fragments of a forgotten past. She had deciphered cryptic inscriptions that depicted a glorious kingdom, a time of prosperity and artistic brilliance. But the physical evidence, the proof of this lost civilization, remained elusive.
Then, one day, while carefully excavating a section of the temple, Amelia stumbled upon a hidden chamber. Inside, she found a series of intricate sculptures, their surfaces covered in a thick layer of dust and grime. As she brushed away the centuries of accumulated debris, a gasp escaped her lips.
The sculptures were unlike anything she had ever seen before. They depicted scenes of daily life, of rituals, of a people who had once walked this earth, their faces etched with a mixture of joy and sorrow. But the most striking feature was the intricate detail of the sculptures, the way they seemed to stretch out, reaching for the viewer, their stories etched into the very stone.
Amelia knew she had stumbled upon something extraordinary, a treasure trove of lost knowledge. She carefully drew up plans for the restoration of the sculptures, knowing that they held the key to unlocking the secrets of this forgotten civilization.
However, as she began her work, a sense of unease crept into her heart. The villagers, once eager to help, seemed to set back from her efforts. They spoke in hushed tones, their eyes filled with fear and apprehension.
One night, as Amelia worked late, a strange sensation washed over her. The air grew thick and oppressive, the shadows seemed to dance and shift. She felt a presence, a watchful eye that seemed to disappear as quickly as it appeared.
The next morning, she found one of the sculptures missing. It was as if it had simply vanished into thin air. Panic surged through her, a cold dread that gripped her heart. She knew she wasn’t alone. Someone, or something, was watching her, guarding the secrets of the past.
Amelia’s determination hardened. She would not be deterred. She would find the missing sculpture, uncover the truth, and bring the forgotten legacy of her forefathers to light. But she knew that the path ahead would be fraught with danger, a journey that would test her courage and her resolve.