Ancient Elephant Fossil Found in West Java's Ecotourism Site
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17 January 2020 11:31 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - An ancient elephant fossil was found by villager right in Ciwado ecotourism site of Cikawung, Indramayu Regency, West Java.
Unang Herman found the ancient elephant fossil (Stegodons) when he was wandering around the valley of Cilalanang River in Ciwado, Indramayu. "I didn't know if it was a fossil. I actually wanted to make it as 'batu akik' (agate) but I haven't brought it yet," he said.
When he was bringing the fossil, Unang met a photographer from Jakarta and the photographer thought that the object brought by Unang is an ancient animal fossil.
After found out that it was a fossil, Unang then brought his findings to the Ciwado travel post. "I didn't bring it home. I dropped it to the post," he said. Unang said that people who do not know if it was a fossil will probably use it as a stove for cooking.
Expert Team Leader of Heritage (TACB) of Indramayu district, Dedy S Musashi said the fossil of ancient elephant found by Unang have been kept for safety reason as there are illegal fossil hunters. The fossil is 32 centimeters long, with the bone circumference of 22 centimeters, according to Dedy.
