Borobudur Temple Premises Disinfected Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Borobudur Conservation Officers sprayed disinfectant in the Borobudur Temple premises as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

"We spray disinfectant in this place as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus," an officer at the Borobudur Conservation Center Yudi Suhartono stated on Monday.

Suhartono conveyed that as of Monday, the zone 1 of Borobudur Temple -- usually thronged by visitors keen on enjoying the sunrise and sunset -- was closed to the public.

Moreover, he announced that the Borobudur Temple will be closed from March 16 to March 29, 2020.

"Yesterday, several visitors had flocked here, but we do not know whether they are healthy or infected. Hence, as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of the virus, we have sprayed disinfectant solution in some sections of the temple, such as stupas and handrails, that visitors often touch," he revealed.

Suhartono further noted that the disinfectant sprayed in the temple is not harmful to humans since it is only an antiviral and antibacterial mixture of glycerol, alcohol, and water.

"The spraying will be conducted periodically. It depends on the number of visitors. Recently, there were no visitors here, so it will be done later before the opening time," he stated.

Apart from periodic spraying with disinfectants, Borobudur Temple will also be routinely cleaned of moss, algae, and fungus, according to Tri Hartono, head of the Borobudur Conservation Center.

Meanwhile, several visitors expressed disappointment over not being able to visit Borobudur Temple.

Suradi, a visitor from Jakarta, claimed to have been unaware earlier of the temple being closed though fully understood that the move was aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19.

"Although I am disappointed, I think it is better to close the temple as a precautionary measure against the contamination of the virus," he remarked.

ANTARA