Borobudur Temple, one of Indonesia’s five priority tourist destinations, has long attracted both local and international travelers. But while many admire its ancient charm, few realize that climbing to the top now comes with an unusual requirement: wearing a pair of traditional sandals called upanat.
This policy, enforced since December 2023, is part of the government’s ongoing conservation efforts. To access the temple’s upper levels, visitors must not only book tickets online — provided quotas are still available — but also wear these specially designed sandals. The initiative was introduced by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy as a preventive measure to protect the temple’s stone surfaces from damage caused by conventional footwear.
According to research by the Borobudur Conservation Center, friction from regular shoes accelerates wear on the temple stones. This led to the creation of upanat — footwear crafted to be gentle on the historic structure. These sandals are made from natural materials such as pandan leaves, coconut shells, and soft inner foam.
The term upanat comes from Sanskrit and literally means “footwear.” While modern in construction, their design draws inspiration from Borobudur’s very own heritage. The concept was shaped by panel 150 of the Karmawibhangga relief, which depicts two figures offering footwear to a Brahmin — a visual reference seen as evidence of upanat’s cultural roots.
But the sandals are not just symbolic. Since January 2022, they’ve been put through rigorous testing to ensure they meet standards of durability, comfort, and aesthetic compatibility with the temple environment.
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The use of upanat goes beyond preservation — it embodies an educational mission. Visitors are encouraged not only to enjoy the site, but to actively participate in protecting it. The practice reinforces a model of sustainable tourism, promoting awareness and responsibility in preserving cultural landmarks for future generations.
At the same time, the initiative boosts the local creative economy. Production of upanat sandals involves artisans from nearby communities around Borobudur. Currently, eight local workshops are actively producing about 1,200 pairs per day to meet daily demand.
By integrating conservation, culture, education, and community empowerment, this simple footwear requirement has grown into a powerful symbol of how tourism and heritage can coexist — one carefully guided step at a time.
