Indonesia has further cemented its position as a centre of\nprehistoric world civilisation through an archaeological discovery in\nSoutheast Sulawesi. One site now in the spotlight is Liang Metanduno, a\ncave that holds a wealth of ancient rock art. This site is not only a\nsubject of scientific research but has also been proposed as a national\ncultural icon representing the historical identity of the \u2018Bumi Anoa\u2019\nregion.<\/p>\n
During a working visit to the Southeast Sulawesi Museum in Kendari on\na Saturday in July 2026, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon paid special\nattention to the immense potential of the Liang Metanduno rock art. He\nproposed that museum management install a replica of the painting on the\nceiling or wall of the museum\u2019s front room.<\/p>\n
This initiative aims to build a strong identity by making the replica\nof the ancient painting the main feature of the Southeast Sulawesi\nMuseum, attract tourists from various backgrounds including students,\nthe general public, and international visitors, and provide public\neducation by offering a visual representation of the region\u2019s historical\nwealth before tourists visit the original site in Muna Regency. \u2018The\nhope is that before visiting other destinations in Southeast Sulawesi,\npeople will come to the museum first so they can get to know this\nregion,\u2019 said Minister Fadli Zon.<\/p>\n
Based on the data presented, the rock art in Southeast Sulawesi,\nincluding that found in the Liang Metanduno area, is estimated to be a\nstaggering 67,800 years old. This figure places the find among the\noldest rock art in the world, surpassing the age of famous cave\npaintings in Europe. The validity of the site\u2019s age and historical value\nis supported by comprehensive research involving credible institutions,\nincluding the National Research and Innovation Agency, Griffith\nUniversity, and Southern Cross University from Australia. This finding\nprovides authentic proof that civilisation in Southeast Sulawesi has\nexisted for tens of thousands of years, making the region a priceless\ncultural treasure for global science.<\/p>\n
While specific details regarding the motifs at Liang Metanduno are\nstill being validated by experts, rock art in the Muna area generally\npossesses unique characteristics that distinguish it from other sites in\nIndonesia, such as those in Maros-Pangkep. Minister Fadli Zon stressed\nthat museums in the modern era must not merely be storage places for\ninanimate objects. Museums must transform into living \u2018cultural\nshowcases\u2019. By presenting a replica of Liang Metanduno, the Southeast\nSulawesi Museum is expected to tell a richer story about human evolution\nand culture in the archipelago. This effort also aligns with the\nstrategy for developing heritage tourism. By promoting Liang Metanduno,\nSoutheast Sulawesi will be known not only for its marine natural beauty,\nsuch as Wakatobi, but also for its globally significant historical\ndepth.<\/p>\n
The Liang Metanduno rock art is tangible proof that Indonesia is a\ncrucial point in the history of ancient human migration and cognitive\ndevelopment. The government\u2019s support through the Ministry of Culture to\npopularise this site via the Southeast Sulawesi Museum is a strategic\nstep in preserving and promoting the nation\u2019s intellectual wealth on the\ninternational stage.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/exploring-the-liang-metanduno-rock-art-traces-of-the-worlds-oldest-civilisation-1783770617", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }