Archeologists Find More Ancient Ritual Sites in Babadan
Friday, 31 October, 2008 | 17:35 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Kediri:The excavation in Babadan village, Kediri, East Java has again been successful. After the discovery of six ancient relics, a Chinese coin, and a temple foundation, the team of archeologists found what looks like an altar and ancient ritual site used for offerings.

“These findings confirmed our suggestion that this area was once a site for religious activities or offerings,” said Ning Suryati, an archeologist from the Antiquities and Relics Conservation Agency (BP3) in Trowulan, Mojokerto, yesterday.

The findings were around 12 centimeters in width, length, and height. The cubic object which was made by a kind of rock was used as an accessory in offering ceremonies in the ancient Hindu tradition.

Suryati suspected the temple-looking construction was an entrance door to the temple. Unfortunately, the upper part could not be found, so the team could not tell its original form and shape. “We hope these findings relate to the objects we found in Tondowongso, which we believe to be from the ancient Kediri Kingdom in the 11th century,” Suryati said.

Suryati and the other archeologists are facing a great challenge to confirm their predictions. With only two weeks left, they admitted pessimism. Lack of excavation funds is said to be the main impediment.

“The Kediri administration only allocated Rp 20 million subsidy, in reimbursement,” lamented Suryati. “If only the government paid more attention, this is a discovery of importance and significance.”

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