Organization of Education, Science, and Culture of the United Nations or UNESCO states, Indonesia has about 500 archaeological sites under water. The study of VOC documents there are approximately 274 sites under water.

Research to document Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC) was completed in 2004. The study of other documents from the Netherlands, Portugal, China and other countries in 2005, Indonesia has about 460 archaeological sites under water. Nevertheless, surveys of the National Committee for Loads of Valuable Artifacts origin Sink Ships (BMKT) in 2008 found three new sites.

Hundreds of ships since the 7th century until the 19th century allegedly drowned in the waters of Indonesia and he brought the items into objects of cultural heritage (BCB). Although permissible, BCB's appointment must meet the rules of archeology.

Thus the main minds raised in separate conversations with researchers at the National Center for Archaeological Research, Bambang Budi Utomo, former Director of the Directorate General of Archeology and Ancient History of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Nunus Supardi; Head Siswanto Yogyakarta Archaeological Center, and Director of Underwater Heritage Directorate of History and Archaeology Ministry of Culture and Tourism Surya Helmi, Monday (19/4/2010).

Surya Helmi said, as far as Indonesia does not have BCB distribution maps of underwater heritage. Existing ones, since three years ago, the company originated in Portuguese, Arqueonantas Worldwide, the last three years has been doing underwater archaeological survey, the sample area in the waters of Bangka Belitung. "If research is done, Indonesia would have a distribution map BCB underwater," said Helmi.

Nunus Supardi said, Indonesia has become a busy shipping lane since the 7th century. Sailing time using simple technology and equipment so often happened boat accident.

A small number of suspected many ships sunk, said Nunus, among others in the Coral Keliputan and Crocodile Island (Riau), Kepulauan Seribu (Jakarta), Black Stone, (Pacific Islands), territorial Cirebon (West Java), West Kalimantan, and elsewhere.

In accordance with the procedures

Surya Helmi said, lifting BCB in Cirebon waters that will be auctioned, the upcoming May 5, was conducted with archaeological rules.

Bambang Budi Utomo said precious cargo ship that sank origin is not treasure, but an item of cultural heritage that must be protected.

Siswanto added, explored the potential of Indonesia's underwater strangers because in Indonesia expert underwater archaeological research is still small.

Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Fadel Muhammad, who is also chairman of the National Committee Appointment and Utilization of Valuable Artifacts Cargo Vessel Sink origin, said the auction plan origin goods cargo ship sank in waters off Cirebon are in accordance with the procedure.

"If BMKT allowed to remain under the sea, people will not know and see the objects of high historical value it. Placement under the sea are also less likely to bring benefits to the country, "he said. Fadel asserted, the process of licensing and auction BMKT are in accordance with the procedure.


source: kompas.com