This is the number of KCBN temples in Muarajambi, with the potential for further increases.

Data from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) indicates that the Muaro Jambi National Cultural Heritage Site (KCBN) in Muaro Jambi, Jambi Province, covers an area of 3,981 hectares (ha).

The Muaro Jambi KCBN has 11 main temples. These temples include Gumpung, Gumpung I, Gumpung II, Tinggi, Tinggi I, Astano, Kembarbatu, Gedong I, Gedong II, Kedato, and Teluk I. This information is based on data from the Decree of the Minister of Education and Culture (Kepmen) Number 259/M/2013 and a broadcast by *Narasi TV*.

In addition, four temples are currently undergoing restoration: Koto Mahligai, Parit Duku, Sialang, and Menopo Alun-Alun.

The number of temples may increase, as there are 82 temple ruins still buried under small mounds, commonly called *menapos*. However, these ruins have not yet been excavated, and there is no information on the number of complete temples that could be reconstructed from these potential ruins.

With an area of almost 4,000 hectares, the Director General of Culture of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), Hilmar Farid, hopes that the Muaro Jambi KCBN can become a more famous cultural icon than Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The Muaro Jambi KCBN is even considered one of the largest Buddhist sites in Southeast Asia.

“In the next 5 years, the government aims for Muaro Jambi to be greater than Angkor Wat because the potential is there,” said Hilmar Farid, as reported by *Katadata* on Wednesday (5/6/2024).

For information, Angkor Wat in Cambodia covers 163 ha. This means that the Muaro Jambi KCBN is almost 26 times larger than Angkor Wat.

The rejuvenation project for the Muaro Jambi KCBN is the second largest after the revitalization of Borobudur Temple in 1973. This cultural site, located in Central Java, is smaller, covering only 85 ha.

Meanwhile, the Nalanda Mahavihara site, an ancient monastery that served as a center of learning in India, covers an area of 23 ha.

This significant potential has led to the Muaro Jambi KCBN being included in the UNESCO *tentative list* of World Heritage sites since 2009. This nomination aims to garner greater global attention for this historical site and strengthen its position as one of the most historically significant sites in the world.

(See also: Income of Several Indonesian Museums and Cultural Heritage Sites Projected to Increase in 2025)