Fadli Zon Visits The Prehistoric Cadas Pictures Site Of Kabui Bay, Traces Of Ancient Civilizations In Eastern Indonesia

RAJA AMPAT - In a series of working visits to Southwest Papua Province, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, visited Kabui Bay, Waigeo Island, Raja Ampat, to directly inspect the rock art image site which is the trace of ancient civilization in the archipelago. This site is tens of thousands of years old, is a geological heritage of archeology, and has been designated as a cultural heritage in the Geopark Raja Ampat Geopark area.

During the visit, the Minister of Culture traced five points of distribution of rock images from north to south of Kabui Bay. Each point features a unique character, with the northernmost point presenting the most complex images, various motifs, and color variations ranging from white pigment to red.

This site has an image of rock art with white pigment, showing the representation of humans, boats, mountains, and symbols that may have a certain meaning. There is also a shape of the palm of the hand, although some have faded. The red Pigmen is very striking, but further research is needed to determine its age and context," said the Minister at the visit location.

Until now, comprehensive research is still needed to determine the exact age and interpretation of the meaning of these symbols. This condition confirms the importance of further research to better understand prehistoric rock art in Kabui Bay, as well as its connection with the dynamics of past culture in the Pacific region.

In addition to archaeological values, the existence of the rock image site of Kabui Bay strengthens Raja Ampat's position as the world's geopark and adds to the wealth of Indonesian cultural treasures. Traces of this ancient civilization reflect the close relationship between ancient humans and nature, as well as an important legacy that must be maintained together.

During the visit, the Minister of Culture was accompanied by the Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection, Restu Gunawan; Special Staff to the Minister for Protocol and Household Affairs, Rachmanda Primayudha; Head of the Cultural Preservation Center for the XXIII Region, Nahar Cahyandaru; Head of the Youth, Sports, Tourism and Creative Economy Office of Southwest Papua Province, Yus in Lamatenggo; Head of the Education and Culture Office of Southwest Papua Province, Adolf Kambuaya; and UGM archaeologist, Daud Aris Tanudirjo.

The Ministry of Culture affirms the government's commitment to protecting and developing cultural heritage throughout the archipelago, including in eastern Indonesia. Efforts to preserve, research, and promote internationally will continue to be carried out so that the nation's cultural heritage is not only maintained, but also widely known by the world.