SUKABUMI, INDONESIA – Hidden deep within the lush, dense canopy of the Sukawayana Nature Reserve in the Cikakak District of Sukabumi, a profound historical mystery lies waiting to be fully unraveled. Gunung Tangkil, a site long whispered to possess megalithic structures comparable in magnitude and historical significance to the famed Gunung Padang, is currently at the center of a disturbing controversy. What should be a sanctuary for archaeological research and cultural heritage has, according to recent findings, devolved into a site of neglect, potential illicit mining, and what local observers describe as "deviant spiritual rituals." The recent discovery of intimate apparel—specifically women’s undergarments and bras—strewn carelessly across ancient menhirs and stone structures has sparked outrage among cultural preservationists and local historians. This incident has cast a harsh light on the vulnerability of Indonesia’s ODCB (Objects Alleged to be Cultural Heritage) and the urgent need for systematic protection of the nation’s ancestral legacy. The Discovery: A Desecrated Landscape The grim reality of the site’s condition came to light last week during an expedition led by Firman Hidayat, the caretaker of the Paguyuban Padjajaran Anyar. Accompanied by various communities dedicated to the preservation of Sundanese culture, Hidayat’s team embarked on a trek through the thick, overgrown forests of the Sukawayana area with the intention of documenting the megalithic structures. While the team successfully located the elusive menhirs and the ancient, man-made stone terraces, the sense of academic triumph was quickly eclipsed by a scene of profound disrespect. "When we reached the point of the menhir stones and the stone terraces, the condition was truly neglected. It felt as though the site had been abandoned to the elements and those who do not respect its sanctity," Hidayat stated on Monday, August 24, 2026. "What we found most regrettable was a small cavity beneath the stone structures. Inside, we found a collection of women’s underwear and brassieres scattered among the ancient stones." For Hidayat and his colleagues, the presence of these items in a remote, high-altitude archaeological site is not merely an act of littering. Given the cultural context of the region, where such sites are occasionally sought out for mystical purposes, the team suspects that the items are remnants of unauthorized, "deviant" spiritual rituals. Furthermore, the expedition uncovered evidence of illegal excavation pits, suggesting that the site is also being targeted by treasure hunters or illegal mining operations. A Site of Potential National Significance To understand why the degradation of Gunung Tangkil is so deeply felt, one must look at the site’s archaeological potential. Preliminary observations by experts suggest that Gunung Tangkil is not merely a collection of scattered rocks, but a sophisticated complex that may mirror the architectural ingenuity of the Gunung Padang site—often cited as one of the oldest megalithic sites in the world. The structures identified by Hidayat’s team include punden berundak (stepped pyramids) and massive menhirs, which suggest a civilization that possessed advanced knowledge of masonry and sacred geometry. Historical researchers believe that if properly excavated and studied, Gunung Tangkil could rewrite or significantly expand the understanding of prehistoric civilizations in West Java. However, the current state of the site is a paradox. While it holds the potential to be a beacon of national heritage, it is treated as a lawless zone where the boundaries between archaeological research and mystical practice are blurred by those who frequent the area for non-academic reasons. Official Response: The Status of ODCB The alarm raised by the Paguyuban Padjajaran Anyar has prompted a response from the Department of Culture, Youth, and Sports (Disbudpora) of Sukabumi Regency. Gerry Mulyawan Hidayat, a Functional Cultural Guardian at the agency, acknowledged the reports and clarified the legal standing of the area. "The Gunung Tangkil area has been classified as an Objek Diduga Cagar Budaya (ODCB) or an Object Alleged to be Cultural Heritage," Gerry explained. "The site has been the subject of several preliminary studies conducted by experts from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Cultural Preservation Center (BPK) of Region IX West Java, and the Alfath Sukabumi Foundation." According to Gerry, these studies have confirmed the presence of structures resembling stepped pyramids and scattered artifacts, including potential stone statues that require deeper scientific analysis. He noted that the sheer scale of the site makes comprehensive research a long-term undertaking. Addressing the issue of the desecration and illegal activity, Gerry emphasized that the legal protections for ODCB sites are robust, even if they have not yet been formally gazetted as "Cultural Heritage" (Cagar Budaya) by the government. "Under the Law on Cultural Heritage, the treatment of an ODCB is essentially identical to that of a fully recognized cultural heritage site," Gerry stated. "The obligation for protection, surveillance, and conservation remains in full effect. We are currently coordinating with the BPK of West Java to ensure that steps for stricter enforcement and formal gazettement are accelerated." Implications: A Call for Urgent Protection The incident at Gunung Tangkil serves as a cautionary tale for the preservation of Indonesia’s cultural assets. The combination of environmental degradation, lack of physical security, and the exploitation of the site for occult practices creates a toxic environment that threatens to erase history before it can be recorded. 1. The Threat of Misguided Rituals In many parts of rural Indonesia, ancient sites are often repurposed for personal spiritual gains, such as seeking fortune or healing. While cultural diversity is an asset, the specific nature of the items found suggests a disregard for the site’s dignity. If allowed to continue, such activities not only disturb the physical integrity of the ruins but also create a cultural stigma that prevents legitimate researchers from working in the area. 2. The Danger of Illegal Excavation The discovery of "galian liar" (illegal mining/excavation) is a systemic issue affecting archaeological sites across Indonesia. Without a fence, consistent patrols, or signage, these sites become targets for treasure hunters looking for artifacts to sell on the black market. Every unauthorized hole dug into the earth destroys the stratigraphic layers—the very pages of history that archaeologists rely on to date the site. 3. The Need for Formal Status Firman Hidayat’s plea is clear: the site needs to be formally designated as a protected Cultural Heritage site. By transitioning from an ODCB to a protected Cagar Budaya, the site would trigger a higher level of state funding, dedicated personnel for security, and a clearer legal framework to prosecute those who damage the area. "We urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action," Hidayat reiterated. "Penetrating these forests was an eye-opener. We are looking at a treasure that could define our ancestors’ history, yet we are allowing it to be treated like a garbage dump and a playground for the occult. This must change." Looking Ahead The path forward for Gunung Tangkil is complex. It requires a multi-pronged approach involving local government oversight, community involvement, and rigorous scientific research. The Disbudpora of Sukabumi Regency faces the immediate challenge of securing the site to prevent further damage while simultaneously preparing the necessary documentation to justify formal government recognition. For the people of Sukabumi and the wider Indonesian public, Gunung Tangkil represents a link to a past that is slowly fading into the undergrowth. Whether this site becomes a protected landmark of national pride or a forgotten victim of neglect depends entirely on the actions taken in the coming months. As the sun sets over the Sukawayana forest, the silence surrounding the ancient stones of Gunung Tangkil is no longer just the silence of history—it is a silence that demands accountability. The remnants of the past deserve better than the litter of the present, and the urgency to protect this site is now, more than ever, a matter of national duty. Post navigation Tragedy in the Heart of Sasak Culture: Desa Adat Sade Devastated by Massive Fire
