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Jakarta MRT finds over 4,000 artifacts revealing historic Asian trade

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These objects must be researched and utilized as effectively as possible because cultural heritage is part of our national identity,

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Archaeologists working on Jakarta's MRT Phase 2A project have uncovered more than 4,000 historical artifacts and structures during construction of the Bundaran HI-Kota line, including ceramics from several Asian countries that illustrate centuries-old regional trade links.

The discoveries were made along the underground rail corridor and include terracotta water channels, wooden piles associated with river embankments, and loose artifacts such as ceramics, according to Junus Satria Atmodjo, an archaeologist on the MRT Jakarta Phase 2A team and a member of the National Cultural Heritage Expert Team.

"The number keeps increasing every day. Every time we lift new wooden piles or uncover new canal planks, the data grows," Junus told reporters after an archaeological handover ceremony at Jakarta Kota Station on Thursday. "I do not know the latest total, but it is certainly more than 4,000."

Junus said ceramic finds indicate historical trade links between Indonesia and other Asian countries, including Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. Comparative analysis of the artifacts could help researchers trace maritime trade routes that once connected regions across Asia, he said.

"The archaeological findings help people understand Indonesia's history through material evidence and show that the archipelago was already connected to international trade networks in the past," he said.

About 200 artifacts were previously exhibited at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, where they attracted strong public interest despite representing only a small portion of the collection, he added.

Indra Gunawan, Project Management for Construction 2 at MRT Jakarta, said the discoveries would undergo curation before being displayed to the public at a planned gallery within Jakarta Kota Station.

The gallery is expected to introduce the findings to MRT passengers and the wider public.

One of the most significant discoveries was a terracotta water channel stretching from Pintu Besar Selatan toward the Jakarta Kota Station area, Indra said.

MRT Jakarta documented the archaeological discoveries through 3D scanning and photogrammetry in collaboration with archaeologists, he added.

In addition to the terracotta channel, the team found ceramics and wooden piles believed to be linked to historic river-wall structures.

Indra said MRT Jakarta had involved archaeologists since the project's initial design stage because of the historical significance of the Jakarta Kota area. The Jakarta Culture Agency also monitored the handling of discoveries during construction.

Jakarta Culture Agency Secretary Retno Setiowati said the agency was working with experts to ensure the artifacts were properly studied and preserved.

"These objects must be researched and utilized as effectively as possible because cultural heritage is part of our national identity," Retno said.

Junus said cooperation among MRT Jakarta, the Culture Agency, and archaeologists had been crucial in safeguarding the discoveries.

"Cultural resources cannot be renewed. Once they are damaged, the data is lost," he said. "Through a project of this scale, we can work together and use the information for the benefit of future generations."

MRT Jakarta Phase 2A construction had reached 65.1 percent completion as of September 25, with the Bundaran HI-Harmoni segment targeted for completion in 2027 and the Harmoni-Kota section scheduled to follow in 2029.

MRT Jakarta has said the archaeological handover process is being carried out in stages in line with construction progress, allowing infrastructure development to proceed alongside efforts to preserve the city's historical heritage.

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