Treasures found in ricefield

SURABAYA: A resident of Kediri, East Java, who recently discovered 13th century artifacts, was rewarded on Wednesday by the directorate of museums under the Ministry of Education and Culture, Antara reported.

He was presented a prize of Rp 25 million from the head of the office, I Gusti Ngurah Anom, which he said would be used to pay for the education of his three children.

On April 13, Jasiran, from Sebet village in Plemahan district, was digging in his ricefield when his spade hit a rusty container containing 19 pieces of 14 to 16 carat gold jewelry.

Identified as artifacts of the Kediri kingdom, the jewelry included leg bracelets.

The findings have been incorporated into government collections here, including East Java museums in Surabaya and Mojokerto.

"Those who do not report such findings could face sanctions," I Gusti said.

Jasiran said, "I did not know what was in it, but it was all gold. I kept (the findings) for three days before reporting it to my village head."