Akishino concerned about Prambanan

Slamet Susanto and Tarko Sudiarno, The Jakarta Post, Bantul

Japanese Prince Fumihito Akishimo said he was amazed Wednesday at the beauty of the seventh century Prambanan Temple, but was also concerned about its damaged state after the massive Yogyakarta earthquake in 2006.

"The prince was worried about the damage caused by the earthquake and said he hoped it could be restored soon," said Herni Pramastuti, supervisor of the Central Java Preservation and Cultural Heritage Center, who accompanied the prince on his visit to Prambanan Temple.

The prince, however, did not say whether he would provide assistance for the restoration, Herni said. The Japanese government has so far provided around Rp 800 million (approximately US$88,800) to restore Garuda Temple located east of Prambanan.

Herni said it would take a long time and a lot of money to renovate Prambanan Temple. The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has so far provided Rp 500 million to restore Prambanan Temple.

During the visit to Prambanan, Prince Akishimo was accompanied by his wife, Princess Kiko, who asked many questions about the meaning of the reliefs on the temple walls.

"She was very curious and often asked for explanations about the reliefs inside the temple, especially the animal figures," Herni said.

During the tour, Prince Akishimo often stopped to take photos of the temple and surroundings with his pocket camera.

Before visiting Prambanan Temple, Akishimo also visited SMPN II Pleret junior high school in Bantul, Yogyakarta, which was rebuilt by the Japanese government after the earthquake.

During the 20-minute visit, Akishimo, escorted by Yogyakarta Education Office head Sugito and Bantul Regent Idham Samawi, said he was impressed by the children's rapid recovery from post-quake trauma.

"He was pleased not only at the speed of the reconstruction work but also with people's psychological recovery, especially the school children," Idham said.

Akishimo made positive remarks about students' extra curricular studies in Bantul, which included music and handicrafts, Idham said.

"Very good, you are clever," Idham said, citing the prince as they watched students engaged in pottery making.

Akishimo presented a memento to the school, in the form of a ceramic rooster produced by a village in Japan. For Akishimo, the rooster has added meaning since he has conducted research on poultry and previously had visited Indonesia for the purpose.

Akishimo also attended an informal meeting and banquet on Wednesday hosted by Gadjah Mada University rector Sudjarwadi.

"The meeting focussed more on education and cultural issues since UGM has so far established good ties with a number of universities in Japan," Sudjarwadi said after the meeting.