TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) are currently investigating an unknown object that fell from the sky. The unknown object resembles a traditional Indonesian jug, also known as kendi. The object was found by locals on Tuesday the18th of July in the Batang Hari River, West Sumatra.
Syafrijon, Head of the Observation Center for Space and Atmospheric Space (LAPAN) Agam, Lubukasang said that the spherical object that has a diameter of 110 centimeters and weighs about 7.4kg. The object will be examined and studied at the LAPAN Space Science Centre in Bandung, West Java.
“In the near future, the spherical metal object will be sent to LAPAN Space Science Centre in Bandung to be examined in order to determine the owner of this object that allegedly serves as a place for burning rocket fuel” says Syafrijon. Further research is needed to determine the owner of the unknown object.
The Observation Center for Space and Atmospheric Space of LAPAN Agam collected the object from the Chief of Police of Agam, Ferry Suwandi; as the object was being held at Tanjungraya Police Station after being found at 9:30am, Tuesday the 18th.
Ferry Suwandi further explained that a serial number cannot be found on the object and it has a very simple design, therefore, one cannot determine who the owner is by simply looking and observing the object. “In order to determine the owner, LAPAN will have to do further research on the unknown object,” According to Ferry, it was difficult to find an institution that had the required competency to examine the object. They had attempted to contact the State Electricity Company (PLN) and the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and other institutions.
“No humans or properties were harmed or damaged due to the falling of the unknown object.”
Residents of the Batang Hari River, a sub-district of Tanjung Raya expressed feelings of shock towards the object that allegedly fell from space. Sidik, 30 years old, said when the spherical object fell it was accompanied by a loud sound.
“We were all very shocked when we heard the loud sound, so we followed the sound and ended up finding the exact position of where it fell,” said Sidik.
Arriving at the location, the residents found a spherical object in a street which led to the Batang Hari River.
The location of the fall resembled a hole and was black, most likely remnants of a fire. “With finding that, we immediately contacted Jon Hendra, head of the Batang Hari River,” said Sidik. Jon Hendra said that when they found the spherical object, it was very hot and needed to be removed as soon as possible. The spherical object cooled down about an hour later and was suspected to have fallen from outer space.
ANTARA
