Magelang, Central Java (ANTARA) – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar said the series of Vesak Day celebrations at Mendut and Borobudur Temples in Magelang District, Central Java, not only serves as a religious observance for Buddhists but also helps drive the creative economy and tourism sector.According to her, the events have generated positive economic impacts on local businesses, including hotels, homestays, restaurants, and coffee shops.”This is not just a religious service, it is also an economic driver. People not only come to visit the temples but also shop at coffee shops, and of course, need a place to eat,” she said while speaking on Saturday.She recalled experiencing difficulties in finding accommodation during last year's Vesak celebration due to the large number of tourists and pilgrims. Anticipating similar demand this year, she booked her hotel room a year in advance.Irene said the surge in hotel occupancy during the Vesak celebration, although challenging, reflects strong public interest in the event. She added that homestays in surrounding areas have also benefited from the increased number of visitors.”If hotels are full, it can be considered a happy problem. It means a lot of people are visiting. Now, many homestays have also opened to cater to visitors,” she said.She noted that similar economic benefits have been seen during various festivals and events held in Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang, and Magelang, which have helped boost hotel occupancy rates and support local communities.Irene expressed hope that the spirit of togetherness and mutual cooperation would continue to be upheld so that religious and cultural events could deliver broader benefits to society.”We must live in peace and work together towards a better future,” she said.The culmination of the Vesak celebration is scheduled to take place at Borobudur Temple on Sunday, with tens of thousands of Buddhists from across Indonesia expected to participate in the sacred event.