Kategori: History

  • The Origin of Ancient Humans in Indonesia

    The origin of ancient humans in Indonesia can be traced back to a period known as the Pleistocene epoch, which began around 2.6 million years ago and lasted until about 11,700 years ago. Fossil discoveries have provided valuable insights into the early human history of Indonesia.

    One of the most significant findings is the Homo erectus fossils found in Java, particularly in Sangiran and Ngandong. These fossils suggest that Homo erectus, an early human species, inhabited Indonesia as early as 1.5 million years ago. The discovery of stone tools and evidence of fire use further supports the presence of early humans in Indonesia during that time.

    In addition to Homo erectus, other ancient human species, such as Homo floresiensis, also known as “the Hobbit,” have been found in Indonesia. The fossils of Homo floresiensis, which were discovered on the island of Flores, indicate the existence of another unique human species in the region approximately 60,000 years ago.

    Overall, the origin of ancient humans in Indonesia is a complex and fascinating subject that continues to be studied and explored through archaeological and anthropological research.

    In Indonesia, several ancient human species have been discovered. Some of the notable ones include:

    1. Homo erectus: This early human species inhabited Indonesia around 1.5 million years ago. Fossils of Homo erectus have been found in Sangiran and Ngandong in Java. They are considered to be the earliest known human species in Indonesia.

    2. Homo floresiensis: Also known as “the Hobbit,” Homo floresiensis is another ancient human species found in Indonesia. Fossils of Homo floresiensis were unearthed on the island of Flores. They date back approximately 60,000 years and provide significant insights into the diverse human species that once existed in the region.

    These are just a couple of the ancient human species discovered in Indonesia. The study of ancient humans in Indonesia is an ongoing field of research, and future discoveries may further enrich our understanding of prehistoric human populations in the region.

  • The History of Barikan

    The history of Barikan is infrequently documented, but there are some available sources that provide insights into its past. Barikan is believed to be an ancient city located in an undisclosed region, with its exact location being a matter of speculation.

    According to local folklore, Barikan was founded centuries ago by a group of nomadic tribes seeking a permanent settlement. They were attracted to the area due to its fertile land and proximity to a water source, which made it ideal for agriculture and trade.

    Over time, Barikan flourished and grew into a bustling center of commerce and cultural exchange. It became known for its skilled artisans, vibrant markets, and diverse population. Merchants from different parts of the world flocked to Barikan, making it a melting pot of different cultures, languages, and traditions.

    Despite its prosperity, Barikan faced its share of challenges throughout history. It endured periods of political instability, conflicts, and invasions by neighboring kingdoms. However, the city managed to maintain its resilience and rebuild itself after each setback.

    Unfortunately, precise historical records for Barikan are scarce, and many details about its rulers, significant events, and the evolution of its society over time remain unknown. Efforts are being made by researchers and archaeologists to uncover more about Barikan’s past, but it remains an enigma, lending an air of mystery and intrigue to its history.

    As new discoveries are made and more information becomes available, the true history of Barikan will hopefully be unveiled, enriching our understanding of this ancient city and its enduring legacy.

  • The Legend of Putri Cempaka

    “Legenda Putri Cempaka” is a story from Indonesia. It is about a beautiful princess named Putri Cempaka who lived in a kingdom with her parents, the king and queen.

    One day, the kingdom was hit by a severe drought that affected the crops and caused famine. The people of the kingdom suffered, and the king and queen couldn’t find a solution to the problem. However, Putri Cempaka remembered the legend of a magical tree located at the top of a nearby mountain that could bring rain to the land.

    She decided to embark on a journey to find the tree and bring rain to her kingdom. She climbed the mountain, faced obstacles and dangers, and finally found the magical tree. She prayed and asked for rain, and the tree granted her wish. Rain poured down from the sky, ending the drought and saving the kingdom.

    The people of the kingdom were overjoyed and grateful to Putri Cempaka, who became a legend and a symbol of courage and selflessness. She is remembered as a brave and kind princess who put the needs of her people above her own.

  • Calon Arang Site in Kediri, East Java

    It is a fictional story of a great wizard battling hermits and an ancient lost city in Indonesia. Historical evidence is weak. Story of Calon Arang and ancient lost city in Indonesia. Calon Arang was a widow who attacked the land of Airlangga with supernatural powers. The Calon Arang Site and Tondowongso Site in Kediri Regency are named after her and the region of Gurah is mentioned in her story.

    Calon Arang site is a historic artifact repository. Calon Arang is a character from Majapahit period literature
    Girah village changed its name to Gurah and houses the Calon Arang site. The Calon Arang site is not related to the mythical story and is potentially an ancient settlement. The site’s mortar remains may have been from a caretaker’s house. No inscriptions support the site’s connection to Calon Arang. The Gurah Temple nearby is a potential religious settlement of ancient Javanese people.

    The Tondowongso Site, a lost temple with many beautiful statues, was discovered in East Java. The temple was lost in piles of residents’ houses and was only rediscovered in 2007. A total of 12 statues were found, plus 3 unrecognized statue fragments. The Tondowongso Site has unique statues related to the missing temple. The temple cluster is surrounded by a wall. The Tondowongso Site has statues similar to the missing temple and they are unique.

    Archaeologists identify a transitional style in ancient Javanese statues. The Tondowongso-Gurah Site statues have attributes from both the Medang and East Javanese styles. The style of the statues is believed to be the precursor to cultural arts from the Singhasari to Majapahit periods.

    Tondowongso Temple & nearby sites in Gurah showcase Hindu-Buddhist tolerance. Various sites around the Tondowongso Temple location highlighted, including Boto Putih, Ponijo, Adan-Adan & Calon Arang. Factors contributing to destruction of Tondowongso site suggested, including natural disasters and change of dynasty. The Gurah area had important religious settlements until the 16th century. The Rajasa dynasty built a holy place for both Hinduism-Shiva and Buddhism. The Tondowongso and Calon Arang sites in Gurah District have unclear histories.

  • A Secret of the Universe in Sambisari Temple in Indonesia

    Sambisari Temple in Indonesia holds a secret of the universe. It was restored after a farmer found temple stones in 1966. The Sambisari Temple reveals the secret of the creation of the universe and has a unique temple complex. Sambisari Temple is located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The temple was built around the time of the birth of Ibn Abd Al-Hakam and holds the secret of the universe’s creation. The temple was excavated and restored by local people
    The temple complex has three courtyards and four temples. The materials used to build the temple are white limestone overlaid with andesite.

    Theft of Indonesian temple artifacts continues to present day. Sambisari Temple houses several artifacts, mockups and information about the temple along with incidents of looting. The theft of temple artifacts is an ongoing problem and causes losses to the Indonesian people. Sambisari Temple has a linga-yoni representing Hindu Shiva. Main temple faces west and has a flat bottom seam. Batur temple has a wide passageway and a large yoni with phallus.

    Exploring the architecture and iconography of Sambisari Temple. Durga is depicted as a rakshasa due to a curse from her husband in the Majapahit era. The temple features unique iconography such as Agastya Shiva Mahaguru wearing an aksamala necklace. Exploring the intricate details of Sambisari Temple. The temple features many antefixes and motifs of coiled tendrils and full moons. The sangkha, a symbol of creation in Hinduism, is also present

    The creation story of the universe involves a lotus and Lord Brahma. The egg or seed of the universe is referred to as Padmamla in Indian and Indonesian temples. The shape of the vases used for the Padmam?la is made into water animals such as fish, crabs, and elephant mina to represent good luck and fertility.

    Sambisari Temple is a place of worship for Lord Shiva. The temple’s unique shape includes a phallus-yoni and a statue of Vajrapani. Other temples, such as Kedulan Temple and Klero Temple, also follow this concept. Sambisari Temple is an Ancient Mataram temple from early 9th century. The temple has a Central Javanese Style. The temple was buried due to Merapi volcanic eruption in 1906.

  • Ancient Javanese Tax Evasion and Corruption

    Ancient Javanese tax evasion and corruption caused issues since the 10th century. Farmers and traders were taxed, leading to bribery and irregularities.

    Tax Evasion in Ancient Java has been a serious problem since the 10th century. Farmers in ancient Java paid a 10% tax for every crop they harvested.

    Taxes in ancient Java were paid by professionals, traders, and even robbers. The Palepangan Inscription (906 AD) calculated taxes per winnowing, not per square meter. Trade or sales tax was applicable to traders regardless of their scale of operation.

    Ancient Javanese society had a taxation system that included both foreigners and artists or performers, managed by state servants. Foreigners and artists or performers were categorized as flashy residents and subject to taxes.
    State servants, mangilala dwarya haji, managed the treasury, calculated land area and population, and collected taxes through pangurang and nayaka officers.

    Ancient Javanese tax collection and administration. The Nayakas collect taxes from the Rama in each village, then hand them over to regional rulers or Rakryan and Pamgat who pass them on to the palace treasury. Tax collectors were forbidden from entering the Sima areas exempt from the king’s regular taxes. Sima areas have buildings of worship or important public facilities and their maintenance costs are borne by the residents.

    There is still 1/3 of the income from buying and selling in Sima areas are sent to the royal treasury. Ancient Javanese kings helped the people by reducing or even abolishing taxes when there were complaints from the people.

    Ancient Java had corrupt tax officials. Residents had to face corrupt tax officials. King dealt with corrupt officials in a powerful way. Tax evasion and corruption in ancient Indonesian kingdoms. Tax collectors admitting to using collected taxes for personal entertainment. Punishment for tax evasion in the form of punishments for children and grandchildren and death penalty for corrupt officials in Majapahit period.

    The death penalty for corruptors has a strong historical foundation. Majapahit developed a method of capital punishment, including death at the hands of the experience and being thrown into the sea
    The punishment was referred to in the Kutaramanawa Law Book and administered by the state, with the appointed executioner executing the perpetrator.

    Majapahit’s decisive action of sentencing thieves to death teaches us about the importance of law enforcement and corruption eradication. Majapahit implemented severe death penalty for thieves to maintain welfare of people
    Indonesia should take inspiration from this and implement the harshest penalties for corruptors and enforce laws strictly.