There Are Traces Of The Nusantara Megalithic Civilization, Minister Fadli Zon Inaugurates The Sarkofagus Museum In Bali

JAKARTA - The Sarkofagus Museum in Gianyar, Bali has 33 collections of sarkofagus from various regions in Bali, which archaeologists RP Soejono first collected in 1958. This museum has now been inaugurated by the Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, Thursday 27 February 2025.

"Sarkofagus is not just an archaeological relic, but a window that opens up our understanding of the beliefs and social structure of prehistoric communities," said Fadli Zon.

He emphasized the importance of further research because sarkophagus in Bali has unique carvings that have not been fully resolved. "It could be that he is older than sarkophagus in other civilizations such as Egypt or the Romans," he added.

The existence of sarkofagus in Bali is closely related to megalithic culture in various parts of Indonesia, such as stone graves in Sumba, cliff tombs in Toraja, and loggery burials in Gilimanuk. "This is proof that the civilization of the archipelago has a strong relationship with the megalithic legacy of the world," he explained.

This museum is designed to be more interactive with digital and multimedia technology, in collaboration with Udayana University and the Indonesian Museum Association. With this approach, the younger generation is expected to be more interested in exploring history.

Fadli also highlighted the importance of innovation in museum management, including the concept of "open-water museum", so that cultural heritage is not limited to a closed room. Currently, Indonesia has 469 museums, a small number compared to the rich culture of the archipelago.

He appreciated the work of the XV Region Cultural Preservation Center and hoped that the Sarkofagus Museum could encourage public interest in ancestral heritage. "The more people who care, the greater the chance we will understand the traces of national civilization," he concluded.

The inauguration ended with a demonstration of using interactive technology, attended by the Chairperson of AMI Putu Supadma Rudana, Prof. I Made Bandem, and other cultural figures.