JAKARTA - Human civilization has developed for thousands of years, and various regions in the world have archaeological evidence that shows the beginning of social, technological, and cultural life.
However, not many realize that the archipelago, especially Indonesia, has important traces from ancient human history. The findings of early human fossils, cultural artifacts, and rich archaeological sites have put Indonesia on a map of ancient civilization in the world.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that Indonesia has a strong scientific basis for claiming a position as one of the oldest centers of civilization. This is mainly based on the large cultural heritage and archaeological findings, including significant ancient human fossils and spread across various regions.
"A total of 60 percent of the Homo-erectus fossils were found in Indonesia. This is clear evidence that we have the majority of historical human evolution data," said Fadli while reviewing BRIN's archaeological scientific collection storage center (National Research and Innovation Agency) in Cibinong, Bogor Regency, as quoted by ANTARA.
One of the main sites in the spotlight is Sangiran, Central Java, which has long been recognized as one of the most important ancient human sites in the world. Based on findings from this site, Fadli even called Indonesia a strong candidate to become the "mother of world civilization".
He emphasized the importance of synergy between his ministry and research institutions such as BRIN in caring for and reviewing further existing artifacts. According to him, preservation should not only be visual or symbolic, but must be accompanied by a scientific approach so that this cultural heritage can become a source of education and understanding of life's history.
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"Artefak and fossils are not just dead objects. They are part of the narrative of life that we must protect and continue to inherit as living heritage," he explained.
One of the concrete steps that is being pursued is the repatriation process or repatriation of archaeological collections that are still abroad. Fadli revealed that his ministry was negotiating to return thousands of fossils that Eugene Dubois had brought to the Netherlands.
"We are committed to bringing back these collections. This is not only a matter of ownership, but also an acknowledgment that Indonesia has full rights to the heritage of civilization," he said.
Fadli hopes that various archaeological findings can be displayed in full through museums and educational public spaces. This is in line with the spirit of the constitution to raise national culture as an important part of the nation's development.
"Traditional heritage is not only the responsibility of one sector, but part of the great work of civilization. With strategic collaboration, we can protect the past while building a strong cultural identity for the future," he concluded.
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