Elephant Fossil Believed to Be 1.8 Million Years Old Discovered in Bumiayu

The discovery of an elephant fossil believed to be around 1.8 million years old at the Bumiayu Site in Central Java opens new perspectives on prehistoric life in Indonesia. This finding is even estimated to be older than discoveries at the Sangiran Site.

The Head of the Archaeology, Language, and Literature Research Organisation (OR Arbastra) of the National Research and Innovation Agency, Herry Yogaswara, stated that the Bumiayu area holds significant value across various scientific disciplines, from geology to archaeology.

“This area has important value from various aspects, ranging from geology, palaeontology, palaeoanthropology, to archaeology,” said Herry, quoted from the BRIN website, Sunday (12/4/2026).

Based on excavation results, various fossils were found, including those of elephants, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, turtles, fish, and molluscs. This indicates that the region was once a shallow aquatic environment that later underwent changes to become land.

Not only animal fossils, the research team also discovered artefacts in the form of stone tools and bones believed to have been used by prehistoric humans. This finding strengthens indications of early human activity in the area.

Herry added that with strengthened research and cross-sector collaboration, they are optimistic that the Bumiayu Site can be developed into a flagship archaeological area as well as an educational destination for the wider public.