Obama and First Family to Wear Sarongs for Borobudur Visit

Jakarta Globe, February 13, 2010

Ever imagined you would get to see the most powerful man in the world clad in a Javanese sarong, possibly even donning rubber sandals? A treat is definitely in store for those who have.

According to Central Java Governor Bibit Waluyo, sarongs will remain the order of the day for all visitors to Central Java’s famed Borobudur Temple, including US President Barack Obama, his wife, first lady, Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia.

“I have received information from the Foreign Ministry that the US President, his wife Michelle and two daughters are scheduled to visit Candi Borobudur on March 22. The [state] visit aside, even the US president’s family must follow the existing regulations applied within the confines of the temple,” Bibit said on Friday.

Purnomo Siswo Prasetyo, chief executive of PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko, the company that manages the temple site, confirmed Bibit’s statements, adding that the regulation mandating the donning of a sarong and rubber sandals had been put into effect on Feb. 1, and all those visiting the temple must respect the social and religious norms observed.

“I urge US President Obama, his family, and his entourage to please not wear shorts or miniskirts [for the ladies] or leather footwear. As long as one is inside the temple, it is mandatory that one wears a batik sarong and rubber sandals. The same rule applies for dignitaries from overseas. In fact, they should be the ones setting the example,” Purnomo told the Jakarta Globe.

“We have made the central government aware of these rules and all parties involved in the planning of the US president’s visit to Indonesia. We are relieved that they understand these rules and have no objections to following them.”

As previously reported, local worshippers have voiced serious concern over tourists revealing too much skin or wearing footwear, including high heels, that has ended up damaging the temple’s stonework. The temple was built around 800 AD and is believed to have taken about 75 years to construct.

“We keep getting complaints from locals upset about tourists who wear skimpy clothing at Borobudur,” Purnomo had said earlier. Candra Malik