Musi River Evidence Palembang Becomes A Global Trade Axis Since The 7th Century

The launch of the book Keramik Cina Finding the Musi River 7'19 AD at Sriwijaya University, Palembang, Sunday, October 19. (IST)

PALEMBANG - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of the Musi River as the main route for global trade since the 7th century. He made this statement while attending online the launch of the Chinese Ceramic Book Finding the 7'19 AD Musi River at Sriwijaya University, Palembang, Sunday, October 19.

The findings of ceramics from various dynastics Han, Sung, Yuan, Ming, to Qing show that cross-border trade has been going on for centuries, maybe even thousands of years," said Fadli.

According to him, the Musi River is not only a witness to local civilization, but also an entry point for world cultural interactions. "This is clear evidence that Palembang has an important role in the global network. The Musi River is the spirit of large trade in the Southeast Asia region," he continued.

Fadli assessed that the book is important to enrich South Sumatra's history. The research, which was conducted from 2015 to 2023, documented hundreds of ceramic artifacts from China, Thailand and Vietnam found along the Musi River. This book can be a foothold for further research on Indonesia's trade and cultural relations with the outside world," he said.

The Chancellor of Sriwijaya University, Taufiq Marwa, appreciated the cooperation with the Ministry of Culture. He hopes that this book will be a means of historical reflection for the younger generation. History must be an encouragement and lessons for today," he said.

Academics and bookwriters, Pidia Amelia, explained that this research is sustainable. "We continue to identify ceramic relics, including collections at Fadli Zon Creative House," he said.

The Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection, Restu Gunawan, who was present, encouraged students to deepen their history and archeology. This book opens space for us to re-read Indonesia's relations with China, India, and the Middle East," he said.

The book launch was also attended by Professor of Local History Farida R. Wargadalem, Director of History and Summary Agus Mulyana, and Head of the Cultural Preservation Center for Region VI Kristanto Januardi.

Closing his remarks, Fadli Zon called for cross-sectoral collaboration to strengthen research on the history of the Musi River. "We need to work together with universities, artists, culturalists, and the South Sumatra cultural community so that our maritime history is more lively," he concluded.