Traces of Ancient Civilization Allegedly Hidden at the Cibalay Bogor Site

BOGOR - The Cibalay site in Bogor Regency has traces of civilization that are allegedly much older than the estimates so far. After reviewing the location directly, the Minister of Culture Fadli Zon assessed that the arrangement of terraces and menhirs in the area showed the characteristics of man-made buildings, not natural formations.

The assessment was conveyed by Fadli when reviewing the Cibalay Site in Tapos 1 Village, Tenjolaya District, Friday (16/1). He emphasized that visually and structurally, the area showed a deliberate pattern of construction. The terraces appear flat and arranged, accompanied by stone milestones that are suspected to be part of the altar.

"If you look at it at first glance, it looks like a punden berundak construction. The stones are arranged by humans, not naturally formed," said Fadli at the location.

The Cibalay site is a punden berundak relic that is oriented north-south leading to Mount Salak. This area consists of five terraces, with the highest part on the south side. Menhirs are scattered on each terrace, although the number varies at each level.

Fadli emphasized that the arrangement of the stones that can be seen today is very likely to have changed due to natural factors. Soil movement, water flow, and vegetation growth are considered to affect the position and structure of the stone from its original shape. "What we see now may have shifted from the original construction. Therefore, further studies are important," he said.

The initial data of the West Java Regional Cultural Preservation Agency recorded at least 33 points that have the potential to be cultural remains in the Cibalay area. This finding opens up the possibility that the archaeological value of the site is much wider than the understanding so far.

During the same visit, Fadli also reviewed the Domas Sculpture Site which is in the same area as Cibalay. According to him, the condition of the Domas Sculpture is still relatively intact and minimal excavation. The cultural zone which is currently designated as about six hectares, but the potential of the area is estimated to extend to 62 hectares.

"This area holds interesting anomalies to be studied. Initial indications show traces of civilization around 2,000 to 3,000 years ago, although the exact age still has to be scientifically proven," said Fadli.

The review is a signal of encouragement from the Ministry of Culture to accelerate research and preservation of the Cibalay Site and the Domas Monument, as well as opening up opportunities for cultural-based area management without sacrificing the authenticity of its historical remains.