C. Java seas may contain treasures<\/p>\n
SEMARANG, Central Java: The waters of Central Java may contain
\ntreasures scattered in an estimated 74 locations from ships that
\nhave sunk centuries ago, a government official said Friday.<\/p>\n
Most of the treasures were likely ancient Chinese ceramic and
\ngold barrels, said Hari Purnomo, the maritime office head at the
\nCentral Java branch of the maritime and fisheries ministry.<\/p>\n
He said 51 locations were identified off the Cilacap regency
\nin the South Sea. Another 14 spots were near the Karimunjawa
\nislands, north of the province in the Java Sea. The remaining
\nnine, he said, were found elsewhere in the Java Sea.<\/p>\n
It is unclear what his estimates were based on, but did say
\nsurveys were ongoing in the oceans flanking the province.<\/p>\n
Ancient Chinese and European traders traversed the waters of
\nnumerous regions across the country, leaving behind their
\nprecious loads when their ships sank.<\/p>\n
Hari said he had not heard of any activities to salvage the
\nunderwater treasures.<\/p>\n
Ceramic pieces, gold and other artifacts hidden in the
\nshipwrecks in Indonesian waters have often been looted by fortune
\nhunters over the last few years.<\/p>\n
The law requires that finders of archaeological treasures and
\nother cultural property must report to the authorities. It also
\nstipulates that 50 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the
\nfinds must go to the Indonesian government. -- Antara<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/c-java-seas-may-contain-treasures-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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