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.