Discourses about the “pyramid” found at Gunung Padang megalithic site have captured public’s attention, from scholars to laypersons. The pyramid, which experts categorize as a “step pyramid”, is one of the oldest forms of structures built by the Archipelago’s prehistoric society. This sort of structure continued to be built up to the last of the Hindu kingdoms in Java during the 15th century.
Their high level of architectural ability often raises questions: why do many megalithic structures scattered across the Archipelago share the same design and pattern with other step pyramid structures, even those found in other regions in Southeast Asia and the Pacific? Meanwhile, a lack of understanding of the belief systems and of these traditional societies has caused us to look at ancient civilizations as “exotic” or even as “myths”.
This discussion welcomes Harry Truman Simanjuntak from The National Archaeological Center, Jakarta; Ali Akbar from University of Indonesia, Depok; and Daud Tanudirdjo from Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta.
Open to public. RSVP by July 22, 2013.
