Ekskavasi Penyelamatan Situs Watukucur - Jombang

Summary

The video discusses the ongoing archaeological excavation at the Watu Kucur site in Mojagung, Jombang, East Java. The excavation focuses on preserving the site’s cultural heritage, revealing concentric brick structures, a well, and other historical findings such as pottery shards and Yoni stones. Past excavations, starting from 1981, have faced challenges due to looting and natural damage. The site’s future preservation includes creating protective shelters and promoting cultural tourism. Recommendations emphasize collaboration between local communities and authorities to safeguard and further explore the site, offering educational and tourism opportunities for the region.

Takeaways

• 😀 The excavation at Watu Kucur in Mojokerto, East Java, has revealed a well-preserved site with three concentric structural layers, with each layer made of bricks of varying sizes.
• 😀 Excavation results show a complex site with three structural layers: the outermost layer measures 11.60m by 11.50m, the second layer is 7.15m by 7m, and the innermost one is 3.5m by 3.5m.
• 😀 The site includes a well-like structure (sumuran) measuring 2.4m by 2.4m with a depth of 1.18m, and it shows evidence of disturbances and possible looting attempts.
• 😀 Archaeological findings suggest the site originally had a staircase leading west, but only partial remains are visible, with more excavation needed to determine the full width.
• 😀 The construction at Watu Kucur uses a specific brick arrangement technique known as 'kosot' or 'rabing,' where each layer is rubbed together with water, and thin soil mixtures were used as mortar.
• 😀 The site exhibits multiple layers of soil, including clay, gravel, and fragments of broken bricks, which suggests previous disturbances and structural collapse.
• 😀 Structural damage is believed to have occurred due to looting during earlier periods, with bricks being taken for building materials, contributing to the site's degradation.
• 😀 Fragments of pottery, including roof tiles and ceramic containers, were found, suggesting that roof tiles were used in the structure's construction.
• 😀 The current condition of the site indicates a need for continued conservation efforts, such as the installation of protective roofing and preservation of the structure from the elements.
• 😀 The excavation at Watu Kucur is part of an ongoing effort to understand and preserve cultural heritage, with recommendations for further research and potential development of the site into a cultural tourism destination.

Q & A

What was the main purpose of the excavation at the Watu Kucur site?

The main purpose of the excavation at the Watu Kucur site was to uncover and preserve the historical and archaeological structures found there, as part of efforts to protect and understand the site's cultural significance, and to make it available for further research and public education.

What are the key structural findings from the excavation at Watu Kucur?

The excavation revealed a concentric, three-layered structure at the site, with each layer consisting of different dimensions and thicknesses. The outermost layer had a diameter of 11.60 meters, while the innermost layer contained a well-like feature, likely a 'sumuran' (water well) of 2.40 meters by 2.40 meters.

How many excavation phases have taken place at Watu Kucur, and what were the years?

There have been multiple excavation phases at Watu Kucur, starting with an initial phase from 1981 to 1983. Subsequent activities included a re-evaluation in 2010, and further excavation occurred in 2017 and 2021.

What was discovered about the use of materials at the Watu Kucur site?

The site revealed the use of bricks (bata) in various sizes, with specific measurements for the bricks found. There was also evidence of special construction techniques, such as a rubbing technique (kosot) used for layering the bricks, and indications of soil mixtures as part of the structural composition.

What is the significance of the 'sumuran' found in the third layer of the excavation?

The 'sumuran' found in the third layer is significant because it suggests the presence of a well or a storage pit, which could have been an important feature of the site. The excavation revealed that this structure had been disturbed, likely due to past looting activities.

What role did local and regional stakeholders play in the conservation of the site?

Local and regional stakeholders, including the villagers of Dukodimoro, the local government of Mojagung, and cultural departments from both Jombang and East Java, played a key role in coordinating efforts for the excavation and preservation of the site. They are also expected to collaborate on future conservation efforts.

What challenges were faced during the excavation of the Watu Kucur site?

One of the main challenges faced during the excavation was the prior damage caused by looting, where parts of the structure had been disturbed or destroyed in search of artifacts. Additionally, the surrounding soil had been mixed and altered, complicating the interpretation of the layers.

What is the current condition of the Watu Kucur site after the excavation?

The current condition of the site is a mix of exposed structures and deteriorating parts, with some brick layers broken or missing. The site still requires additional protection, including the installation of a protective cover to shield the structures from rain and further erosion.

What recommendations were made for the future of the Watu Kucur site?

The recommendations for the site include continued collaboration among stakeholders, protection of the site through the installation of a protective roof, and further restoration efforts. It was also suggested that the site be developed for educational, cultural, and tourism purposes, with a designated caretaker for its upkeep.

What role do the findings of ceramic fragments and roof tiles play in understanding the Watu Kucur site?

The findings of ceramic fragments, including roof tiles and pottery, indicate that the site had a developed architectural structure, likely involving roofed buildings. These artifacts help to understand the construction techniques and daily activities at the site, and suggest the site may have been a functional place for worship or community gatherings.