Minister Of Culture Encourages Majapahit Study Through LiDAR Technology In Trowulan
MOJOKERTO - Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of technology-based research to uncover the traces of Majapahit civilization. While attending a trial of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Georadar technology in the Torowulan Cultural Heritage Area, Menbud Fadli assessed that this step could open a new narrative of Majapahit's hidden history.
"This is the starting point for using LiDAR and geometric methods. The results can be combined with other studies, then read, interpreted, and followed up," said Menbud Fadli Zon on the sidelines of his visit to the Cultural Preservation Center (BPK) Region XI East Java, Sunday, September 21.
In this trial, LiDAR was installed on VTOL drones for long-distance mapping using laser light pulses. This technology allows ground-covered structure detection. A joint team from the Sepuluh November Institute of Technology (ITS) and Representatives of Indonesian Buddhists (WALUBI) participated. Promoting culture must involve all stakeholders,' said Menbud Fadli, emphasizing the role of universities and society.
Menbud Fadli Zon also underlined four pillars of conservation: protecting, developing, utilizing, and fostering. The new sites found will be researched and protected. Museum is our focus. We will work with the private sector, universities, and villages so that the Majapahit ecosystem can live again," he said.
SEE ALSO:
Head of BPK Region XI Endah Budi Heryani said next week LiDAR and Georadar will be widely used. Initial results show anomalies that indicate hidden brick structures or stones are important to complete the historical narrative of Majapahit.
Menbud Fadli closed the visit by emphasizing the importance of the museum representing the greatness of Majapahit. We have held a museum design competition and LiDAR research in the 20 square km area. This anomaly finding is expected to answer questions that have not been answered so far," he concluded.