The Ministry of Culture and Elementary and Secondary Education of the Republic of Indonesia, PT. Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko (Persero)[*1], the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Office in Jakarta, and Panasonic Corporation signed a four-way Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 9 to promote "conservation and awareness raising for the protection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites" and "education and cultural activities aimed at sustainable development for young people in the vicinity of the Borobudur, Prambanan, Ratu Boko sites in Indonesia." The signing marked the launch of the following joint projects. 

Panasonic LED projectors light up World Heritage Site Prambanan Temple Compounds in Indonesia. (All photos courtesy of Panasonic)

Donation of LED projectors to illuminate Prambanan Temple Compounds World Heritage Site 

A total of 16 LED light projectors have been donated to Prambanan Temple Compounds, which were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage property in 1991. The Prambanan site previously used halogen (HID) lamps for illuminating the compounds, but replacing these lamps with LED projectors will reduce energy consumption by approximately 30%[*2]. The LED projectors also turn on instantaneously, and their long life can significantly lower maintenance burden by reducing the need for replacement. 

Prambanan Temple Compounds under a warmer LED color termperature.

The Prambanan Temple Compounds consist of a group of Hindu temples with characteristically tall and small turrets, is known as one of the biggest temple complexes in Java. Built in the 9th century during the Hindu period in Indonesia, it was designed as three concentric squares. With over 500 temples, Prambanan Temple Compounds represents not only an architectural and cultural treasure, but also standing as a proof of a significant religious peaceful cohabitation. With the new LED illuminations donated by Panasonic to enlighten the main three Temples within the Compounds, it is foreseen that it will contribute to the promotion of this World Heritage site and its surrounding environment. 

LED projectors used to light up Prambanan Temple Compounds.

Education and cultural activities aimed at sustainable development for young people in the vicinity of the Borobudur and Prambanan compounds 

Two joint educational programs for local stakeholders and communities, including youth and creative industry producers living around Borobudur and Prambanan areas, will be conducted in partnership with all stakeholders including local government, schools, relevant business network for the creative industry promotion, over the course of one year: "Youth Forum on safeguarding World Heritage on sustainable development, green technologies, creative economies and mitigating natural disasters" and "Capacity Building Training for Youth for the Development of Creative Industries and Sustainable Tourism." 

Prambanan Temple Compounds and lighting equipment from afar.

The programs aim to increase public awareness about the importance of safeguarding efforts for the World Heritage sites and provide livelihood development opportunities for youth through educational and training programs on cultural industries. 

Through this MoU, the four parties will contribute to the conservation of World Heritage sites and the global environment at large, and support education for the next generation of young people.