67,800-Year-Old Painting in Muna, Indonesia Prepares the Way to UNESCO World Heritage

MUNA - The rock paintings at least 67,800 years old in Metanduno Cave, Muna Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, are no longer just archaeological findings. The government is now encouraging the protection of the area and preparing steps towards the nomination of Muna's prehistoric rock art as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon conveyed this when opening the Liangkobori IV Festival 2026 in Liangkobori Village, Muna, Saturday (11/7).

The impetus was strengthened after the results of a study published in January 2026 established the handprints in the Metanduno Cave as the oldest rock paintings in the world in the category of non-figurative art. The minimum age is 67,800 years.

"Through this Liangkobori Festival, we reopen one of the important chapters in human history. Not only the history of Sulawesi or Indonesia, but also the history of the world," said Fadli.

The research involved the National Research and Innovation Agency, Griffith University Australia, the Cultural Preservation Agency, and a number of international researchers.

According to Fadli, the findings place Muna in an important position in the study of the early history of humans and the development of rock art. Therefore, the protection of the site should not be slower than the effort to introduce it to the public.

When reviewing the Metanduno Cave, Fadli asked that the prehistoric area be secured and preserved. Data collection of all rock painting panels also needs to be accelerated through digital documentation and joint research.

"This is a cultural asset that we must protect. This finding shows that tens of thousands of years ago there was life and civilization in this area," he said.

The Liangkobori area is a karst landscape that contains hundreds of prehistoric rock painting panels. The government plans to encourage the acceleration of the designation of the area as a national cultural heritage, strengthen research, and prepare the stages of nomination to UNESCO.

However, the development of the area must still be based on conservation and scientific studies. The local community is also placed as an important part in maintaining the site.

The Governor of Southeast Sulawesi Andi Sumangerukka assessed that Liangkobori has historical value as well as cultural tourism potential. According to him, the utilization of the area must be carried out without sacrificing the sustainability of the site.

Regent Muna Bachrun said the local government wanted to develop Liangkobori as a research center, cultural education, and cultural-based tourist destination.

The Liangkobori Festival itself features traditional arts, folk games, cultural exhibitions, local cuisine, and educational activities regarding the prehistoric Muna area.

For Muna, the 67,800-year-old find brings both opportunity and a huge job. The world may be starting to turn a corner. The challenge now is to ensure that the traces of tens of thousands of years ago remain intact as more people come to see them.