The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has revealed that\nancient river networks in the Sunda Shelf were likely the primary\nmigration routes for early modern humans moving through Southeast Asia\nduring prehistoric times.<\/p>\n
\u201cGeomorphological and paleogeographical research shows that the Sunda\nShelf during the Pleistocene had major river systems now submerged due\nto rising sea levels,\u201d explained Vida Pervaya Rusianti Kusmartono, a\nresearcher at BRIN\u2019s Centre for Prehistoric and Historical Archaeology\nResearch (PR APS), during a webinar for the Kebhinekaan Forum Series #36\non \u2018Dynamics of Prehistoric Human and Cultural Migration\u2019.<\/p>\n
She noted that these ancient river networks likely served as\necological corridors facilitating the spread of prehistoric humans into\ninland areas and Wallacea.<\/p>\n
\u201cPrehistoric human mobility likely did not solely follow coastal\nroutes but also utilised ancient river systems as migration pathways,\u201d\nshe stated in her study titled \u2018Kalimantan: Human Migration in the\nEastern Sunda Shelf during the Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene\u2019.<\/p>\n
Vida explained that modern human migration from Africa to Southeast\nAsia did not occur in a single wave but through prolonged stages and\ndiverse routes. She mentioned the coastal migration theory, which posits\nthat humans moved along coastlines offering abundant food sources and\neasier mobility compared to inland regions.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring glacial periods, sea levels dropped, forming extensive\nlandmasses connecting Southeast Asian regions. This enabled human,\nflora, and fauna movement across the Sunda Shelf,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
She added that the eastern Sunda Shelf held strategic importance as a\ncorridor to Wallacea and Sahul (Australia-Papua). Archaeological sites\nin Kalimantan indicate the presence of modern humans around 45,000 to\n30,000 years ago, evidenced by stone tools, faunal remains, and cave\ndwelling findings.<\/p>\n
However, Vida acknowledged that early human migration research in\nSoutheast Asia faces significant challenges, particularly due to the\ntropical climate which hinders fossil preservation.<\/p>\n
\u201cHigh soil acidity accelerates bone and collagen degradation,\ncomplicating absolute dating processes,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n
As a solution, BRIN continues to advance research through geophysical\nsurveys, sediment analysis, and modern dating methods to obtain more\naccurate data on prehistoric human migration in the Sunda Shelf\nregion.<\/p>\n
In his remarks, Herry Yogaswara, Head of BRIN\u2019s Archaeology,\nLanguage, and Literature Research Organisation (OR Arbastra), stated\nthat this topic is crucial for understanding the early dynamics of human\ncivilisation in the Nusantara region.<\/p>\n
As a concrete commitment, he affirmed BRIN\u2019s focus on human evolution\nand dispersal studies in Southeast Asia, including the establishment of\nthe Centre for Human Evolution, Adaptation, and Dispersal in Southeast\nAsia (CHEADSEA), which has received formal recognition from UNESCO.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough academic forums and research institutions like this, we hope\nto generate new insights and strengthen collaboration in prehistoric\nhuman migration research,\u201d Herry said.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/java-sumatra-and-kalimantan-were-once-connected-ancient-human-migration-routes-revealed-1780287354", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }