Archeologists Make New Discoveries in Liyangan, Central Java

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Yogyakarta Archaeological Office has discovered a cobblestone roads and 40 Chinese vases from the Tang Dynasty at Liyangan archeological site, Temanggung, Central Java. Sugeng Rianto, the Head of Excavation Team of Ancient Mataram Liyangan Site, said that the team made the discovery during the fourth excavation of the site, last Month.

The latest discovery was a 5-meter cobblestone road which was covered by lava material from Mount Sindoro, presumed to connect religious site and residential areas. Other discovery was fragments of ancient vases from the Tang Dynasty. In total, the fragments could form 40 complete vases, mostly were designed as household equipment like bowl and jug. The last excavation also discovered six temple's porch (batur) as well as pottery and metal products.

In 2012, Yogyakarta Archaeological Office had discovered a religious site in Liyangan. Sugeng explained that the site dated back to the 9th century, a legacy for Indonesia. He also said that eventually, cultural and historical tourism like in Liyangan site must be improved, especially in term of infrastructure given that the area is not easily accessable.

OLIVIA LEWI PRAMESTI