Buni Site Drowned by Oil
Babelan is a treasure. For archeologists, the district in Bekasi hides invaluable archeological jewels in the Buni site. Rich in cultural heritage from the end of the prehistoric period to the Tarumanegara Kingdom period, at more than 2,000 years old, this is one of the oldest sites on the island of Java. Babelan also conceals oil. However, oil seems difficult to mix with ancient culture. Explored by Pertamina since 1999, the black gold from the bowels of the earth is slowly destroying the Buni site. The threat is increasing since the Bekasi Regency Regional Government declared Babelan an industrial area in 2003. Still, a number of local volunteersand several archeologistswho have strived to preserve the jewel for the past four decades have not given up yet. Who are they and what have they done to save the Buni site in Babelan? Following is an investigation by TEMPO reporter, Ali Anwar.
April 27, 2004
ONE dry season, 46 years ago. A muscular, brown-skinned young man drove his hoe into bush-covered soil in Buni village, Babelan, Bekasi Regency, West Java. Dogolthe name of the man who in 1958 was still 34 years oldwas making a kalenan (waterway) from an offshoot of the Bekasi stream to a plot of virgin paddy field. His mind filled with pictures of harvesting rice in the midst of the bushes, he was suddenly dumbfounded. His eyes opened wide at th
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