Ancient bronze inscriptions deciphered

Ancient bronze inscriptions deciphered

BULELENG, North Bali (Antara): Local archaeologists have
succeeded in revealing and reading the ancient stone inscriptions
dating from the year 1002 found in Pungit Temple in Bulian
village in Buleleng regency, 115 kilometers northeast of
Denpasar.

A team of five archaeologists led by Putu Budiastra, former
head of the Bali State Museum, have read some parts of 17 bronze
inscriptions written in the ancient Javanese Palawa script.

The reading of the 1000-year-old inscriptions was witnessed by
Bali's Governor Dewa Berata, Buleleng Regent Ketut Wiratha Sindu,
Hindu priests and a number of other important officials.

The inscriptions were written by kings and rulers of ancient
Javanese and Balinese kingdoms. The writings deal with, among
other things, rules, laws, and advice on how to govern well and
lead a harmonious life.

"The rulers and bagawan (religious leaders) were closely
united so that people at that time lived peacefully," revealed
Putu Budiastra.

The contents of the inscriptions were relevant to the current
situation in Indonesia which was now facing the threat of
national disintegration.

"If we look at the current situation in Indonesia, the advice
could be for a reconciliation between the government, House
members and the people of Indonesia," the archaeologist said.

The local community usually refer to the inscriptions as being
pungit, which literally means sacred or untouchable, and they
were sited in a forested area near the Tukad Buah river in Bulian
village.

In this area, it is believed there are some 33 other bronze
inscriptions measuring 15 centimeters by 20 centimeters each.
Believe it or not, these inscriptions are normally invisible but
can sometimes be summoned to appear if they are needed by the
community.

"Nobody knows the precise location of the inscriptions which
are now regarded by the locals as sacred," explained Made
Seridana.

If the community needs them for reading or studying, they
invite Jro Mangku Sukarya to lead a religious ceremony and
meditation near the Tukad Buah river, usually in the middle of
the night.

"If the Deity is willing to give us the opportunity to see and
to study these inscriptions, then they suddenly appear before
us," added Made.

After the inscriptions were read by the team of
archaeologists, they were later returned to their original places
and disappeared again.

The reading of these unique and rare inscriptions was
preceded by a series of rituals including performances of the
Tari Baris Gede and Tari Rejang sacred dances.