PEKANBARU, Siberriau – The visit of the Consul General (Consulate General) of Japan in Medan, Furugori Turu, to Riau Province brought fresh air for the development of the regional tourism sector. In an official meeting that took place on Monday (19/1/2026), Furugori highlighted the great potential of Riau’s wealth of natural resources and cultural diversity as a new economic driving motor that could boost the region’s income in the future.

One of the objects that particularly caught Furugori’s attention was the existence of Muara Takus Temple in Kampar Regency. He claimed to have done independent research through the internet before setting foot on the Earth of Yellow Lancang. According to him, evidence of historical relics such as Muara Takus Temple and Siak Palace have an authentic uniqueness that is rarely found in other regions of Indonesia.

"Before going to Riau, I had time to explore some of the uniqueness of this area through the internet. I saw the existence of Muara Takus Temple and Siak Palace, evidence of historical relics that we may not be able to find in other areas," said Furugori Turu in front of the ranks of the Riau Provincial Government.

He hopes that the accessibility from the provincial capital to this historic location will continue to be improved to attract the interest of foreign tourists. Furugori emphasized that Muara Takus Temple is a highly potential educational tourism destination for Japanese tourists, given that the site is a tangible proof of Buddhist civilization in Malaya.

"Of course I hope foreign tourists, especially those from Japan, can visit Muara Takus Temple. It is not just a tourist attraction, but a proof of the great history of the past," he added.

Muara Takus Temple Complex has a magnificent architecture with a wall fence measuring 74 x 74 meters of 80 cm high white stone. Beyond the main area, there is a large earthen wall measuring 1.5 by 1.5 kilometers that extends to the banks of the Right Kampar River. The site is estimated to have stood since the 4th century to the 11th century, coinciding with the golden age of the Srivijaya Kingdom.

The existence of the site has also been recognized internationally since 2009 when it was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historical complex located in Muara Takus Village, District XIII Koto, consists of several iconic main buildings, namely Candi Sulung (Old), Candi Bungsu, Mahligai Stupa, and Candi Palangka, each of which has different architectural characteristics.

The unique details of the building become an attraction of their own, such as the Mahligai Temple which has 28 sides and is divided into roof, body, as well as leg sections. Meanwhile, the Youngest Temple made of red brick has a square shape at its top, contrasting with the circular shape of the Old Temple. There is also Palangka Temple which faces north and is believed to have once served as an altar or place for spiritual rituals.

The presence of Muara Takus Temple as a historical heritage site has a profound philosophical value for the people of Riau. In addition to being a leading destination in Kampar Regency, this temple is also a strong symbol of cultural femininity that once flourished in the archipelago, now expected to be able to become a major attraction for foreign tourists. (MC Riau/MCY)

Source
https://mediacenter.riau.go.id/read/95033/visit-riau-congress-japan-ready-to-promote-c.html