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![The Bhantes walks while carrying a lantern during the Walking Meditation procession at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jakarta, on Tuesday (14/5/2024). As an illustration of previous year's event of Bhikku Tudong [Suara.com/Alfian Winanto]](https://media.theindonesia.id/thumbs/2025/03/07/59009-bhikku-tudong/653x366-img-59009-bhikku-tudong.jpg)
TheIndonesia.co - The Ministry of Religious Affairs is preparing to welcome 38 Buddhist monks, known as Bhante Thudong, to Indonesia. They are scheduled to arrive in Batam on April 16, 2025, before continuing their journey to the iconic Borobudur Temple in Central Java.
"This marks the third International Thudong event, following those held in 2023 and 2024," said Supriyadi, Director General of Buddhist Community Guidance at the ministry, during a cross-ministerial meeting in Jakarta on Thursday.
According to Antara News Agency, the term "Thudong" comes from the Pali word "Dhutaga," which refers to ascetic practices aimed at enhancing self-discipline and inner peace. In Thai, it means "walking" (Thu Dong). Thudong involves a rigorous and physically demanding journey that strengthens patience, mental resilience, and spiritual fortitude, helping practitioners transcend worldly challenges while upholding Buddhist traditions.
According to Supriyadi, the Bhantes' journey will take them on foot through various landscapes, including forests, villages, and mountains. The length of their journey symbolizes the depth of their religious devotion.
The 38 Bhantes began their journey from Bangkok on February 6, 2025, and will pass through four countries—Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia—before reaching Batam on April 16, 2025. Their journey will conclude on May 10, 2025, at Borobudur Temple in time for the Vesak Day celebrations.
Welly Widadi, Chairperson of the 2025 Thudong Committee, mentioned that upon arrival in Batam, the monks will fly to Jakarta, marking the official start of their Indonesian journey, which will then continue on foot to Borobudur Temple.
Along the way, they will visit several key locations, including the National Monument (Monas), Bekasi, Cikarang, Karawang, Cikampek, Pamanukan, Losarang, Jatibarang, Cirebon, Losari, Brebes, Tegal, Pemalang, Pekalongan, Batang, Kendal, Semarang, Ungaran, Ambarawa, and Magelang.
Widadi highlighted that the monks' visit to Borobudur Temple in Indonesia is intended to perform the highest religious rituals at the world-renowned site.
Gugun Gumilar, Special Staff to the Religious Affairs Minister, emphasized that the government’s main priority is ensuring the safety and security of the Bhantes throughout their stay in Indonesia, until they return to Thailand.
"Thudong is not just a spiritual practice but also a means of fostering international unity," he stated.
