Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, speaking here on Tuesday, stated that alongside restoration, scientific studies on the prehistoric site will continue as part of the efforts to preserve and develop national cultural heritage.
“This year, we plan to continue work on the Gunung Padang site. The study will be followed by restoration. We expect to begin restoring the Gunung Padang site this year in stages,” Zon revealed.
The Gunung Padang site, located in Gunung Padang, Karyamukti Village, Cianjur District, has long sparked theories and speculation.
Some speculate it is "the oldest historical site in the world," "the source of the world’s earliest civilization," or even the oldest pyramid, predating Egypt’s Giza Pyramid.
He noted that the study on the Gunung Padang site will not start from scratch, as preliminary research has already been conducted.
“Hence, it will not start from zero. In my opinion, this is clearly a cultural site, and there are quite a number of similar cultural sites in West Java. However, Gunung Padang may be among the most important,” he remarked.
He stated that restoration and development of the Gunung Padang site will be carried out carefully and in phases to maintain its authenticity and historical value.
In addition, research and studies of the Gunung Padang site, believed to have been discovered in 1914, will continue, he noted.
He also highlighted that the research will involve the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
“Research can proceed in cooperation with BRIN, as research is under BRIN. Restoration of the site falls under the domain of the Ministry of Culture. We will proceed with restoration based on the existing studies and principles,” he explained.
Meanwhile, funding for the restoration may use a public-private partnership scheme.
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Translator: Rubby, Kenzu
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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