Jakarta metro project uncovers more than 4,000 historic finds

Archaeologists working on Jakarta’s metro expansion have uncovered more than 4,000 artefacts and other historic finds, adding physical evidence of Indonesia’s past trading links across Asia.

The discoveries come from construction of the Phase 2A line between Bundaran Hotel Indonesia and Kota. They include fired-clay water channels, posts associated with river walls and ceramics linked to Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia.

Junus Satria Atmodjo, an archaeologist on the project, said the total continues to grow as construction proceeds. Comparing and analysing the ceramics could help researchers trace the sea routes that connected different parts of Asia. Around 200 objects have already been exhibited at the Indonesian embassy in Tokyo, where they drew strong public interest.

Preservation has been built into the work. Archaeologists were involved from the project’s design stage, and finds have been recorded through three-dimensional scanning and photographic mapping. Some have been handed to Jakarta’s culture department for storage and preservation.

The finds will undergo selection and preparation before public display. A gallery planned for Jakarta Kota station would introduce the discoveries to commuters and other visitors, bringing evidence of the city’s past into a space used for everyday journeys.