Dozens of historic relics in danger of extinction

Oyos Saroso, The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung

Dozens of Lampung archaeological sites hailing from the 16th to 19th centuries have disappeared over the past six years due to rampant theft, an official said on Monday.

The last relic known to disappear was the Palasaji Inscription in Palasaji subdistrict, South Lampung regency, said Muhammad Nasir, a descendant of former Lampung king Raden Intan II.

The ancient inscription was first discovered to have disappeared in August last year, said Nasir. Police had identified the perpetrators, however had yet to make any arrests.

According to Nasir, the inscription was historically important as it described the people of Lampung's struggle against the Dutch colonialists. The inscription was written by Queen Darah Putih who visited the Palasaji area in 19th century.

Queen Darah Putih, the leader of the Banten area near Jakarta, visited Lampung in the 19th century in an attempt to forge an alliance with Lampung freedom fighter Raden Intan II against the Dutch.

Maman, 65, who has taken care of the inscription since 1984, described it as a flat, black stone.

"We suspect the lettering is Sanskrit but we don't understand its meaning," said Maman.

Nasir said the inscription proved Lampung people had been persistent in fighting the Dutch. Other relics that provided evidence of the Lampung people's resistance against the Dutch were the 15 fortresses across Lampung province. Almost all the fortresses have fallen to ruin and often only rubble remains.

According to data at Lampung's education and culture office, the inscription and fortresses are part of 90 endangered archaeological sites in the province.

Isbedy Setiawan, Lampung cultural activist, said the government should have improved coordination among related agencies to stop rampant theft of historic relics.

The government should also begin identifying and recording historical relics in an effort to prevent further losses.

Isbedy recalled that 10 years ago he found the remains of a ship that went aground after the huge explosion of Krakatoa in 1883.

"But now, the remains of the ship near the River Akar here have gone. I suspect the remains of the ship were taken away by scavengers," said Isbedy, adding that the incident would not have happened if the government had recorded the relic, declared it historical site and prevented people from pilfering.

"There are dozens of relics in West and North Lampung regencies but it is still unclear who should be held responsible to take care of them," said Isbedy.