Ali: Indonesia Knows No Pyramid Culture

VIVAnews – The discovery of stone terraces in Cilacap, Central Java, brings back the discussion on pyramid structures in Indonesia. The cone-shaped stone terraces have led to the assumption of the existence of pyramid in Mount Padang, Salebu Village, Majenang, Cilacap, Central Java. 

The pyramid issue had surfaced as Turangga Seta Foundation mentioned the existence of a pyramid in Mount Sadahurip and Lalakon in West Java. To prove it, the foundation conducted geoelectric study that showed an organized structure. 

However, the belief is denied by geologists who said that the pyramid-shape is formed naturally.  A geologist, Sujatmiko, said that Sadahurip is a cumulo dome mountain formed out of lava flow, intrusive rocks and pyroclastics. 

An archeologist from University of Indonesia, Ali Akbar, said the said pyramid-like structure is actually a stone terrace.  Ali in fact said that no pyramids have been found in Indonesia. 

“Indonesia does not recognize pyramid culture. In this sense, it's concerned with the found structures which are similar to the ones found in Egypt,” said Ali Akbar in Depok, on May 29. 

Ali Akbar said that archeologists have been using empirical evidences. A structure is called pyramid if proven equipped with chambers of tombs such as found in Egypt. 

“Archeologists see it empirically and at the moment the structures found in Indonesia are still called stone terraces,” he said.

Actually, in addition to the terraces, several temples in Indonesia also have similar shape, such as the Borobudur Temple. In fact, the shape of Sukuh Temple and Ceto Temple located at the foot of Mount Lawu, Central Java, has a similar shape with the Mayan pyramid.  However, no tombs were found in the structure. 

Lack of Self-Confidence

Ali also said that the pyramid search seemed to show lack of self-confidence. “(We are) lacking self-confidence because each nation has its own distinct civilization,” he said. 

For example, if Egypt has its pyramids, Mesopotamia has Ziggurat. "Indonesia also has its own cone-shaped terraces," he said.

In fact, Ali said Indonesia has structures like Mount Padang Cianjur with an amazing construction.  The construction in Mount Padang Cianjur is similar to the famous relics of the Incas, Machu Picchu, which were originated from the 15th century. 

“The structure in Mount Padang is larger and much older. It’s something to be proud of,” he said.