Jadda Megalithic Site

Historical Origins and Periodization

The Jadda Megalithic Site is estimated to originate from the late Neolithic period to the Bronze-Iron Age, approximately 2,500 to 1,000 years before Christ. Chronologically, this site developed rapidly during what archaeologists call the old and young megalithic traditions. The existence of this site in Bondowoso proves that the inland areas of East Java were centers of settlement for ancient, settled humans.

The name "Jadda" itself is rooted in a local toponym referring to the specific location where these artifacts were found. The local community has preserved the existence of these large stones for generations, although scientific understanding of their function only began to be well-documented during the Dutch colonial era until intensive research by the Cultural Preservation Center (BPK) region XI.

Megalithic Architecture and Construction Details

The main characteristic of the Jadda Megalithic Site is the diversity of its massive stone forms. One of the most striking icons at this location is the Sarcophagus (stone coffin) and Pandhusa. Unlike megalithic sites in other regions that may only have single menhirs, Jadda displays construction techniques that were quite advanced for its time.

The sarcophagi at this site have the characteristic "Bondowoso type," consisting of two main parts: a lower container and a convex upper lid resembling a buffalo's back or a traditional house roof. The material used is hard andesite rock, carved with simple tools yet resulting in astonishing precision. The stone surface is often left natural (rough), but at the junction between the container and the lid, there is a locking mechanism to protect the contents—whether bodies or grave goods—from natural disturbances or wild animals.

In addition to sarcophagi, Kenong structures are also found at the Jadda Site. Kenong stones are cylindrical rocks with a knob on top, resembling the kenong musical instrument of the gamelan. The arrangement of these stones is not random; they are often found in circular formations or in pairs, indicating knowledge of spatial planning and cardinal direction orientation.

Historical Significance and Related Events

The Jadda Site holds great significance in mapping the migration routes of prehistoric humans in the Nusantara. The concentration of megaliths in this place indicates that the Jadda area was once a prosperous settlement center. This is supported by the fertility of the volcanic soil on the slopes of Mount Ijen and Mount Raung, which allowed its people to practice settled agriculture.

Historically, this site reflects a hierarchical social structure. The construction of large sarcophagi required a lot of labor (mutual cooperation), indicating the presence of leaders or traditional figures who had the authority to mobilize the masses. A historical event closely related to this site is the transition of belief from pure animism to the veneration of ancestors as village protectors, a concept that persisted even when Hindu-Buddhist influences began to enter East Java centuries later.

Related Figures and Periods

Although no written records (inscriptions) have been found regarding the names of individuals buried at the Jadda Site, experts believe that those buried in the sarcophagi were individuals of high social status, such as tribal chiefs or shamans.

In terms of periodization, the Jadda Site is closely related to the golden age of megalithic culture in the Besuki region. Bondowoso, along with Situbondo and Jember, forms a unique large stone cultural circuit in Indonesia. This site continued to function as a sacred place until the era of the Majapahit Kingdom's influence, when elements of mountain worship (spirit of the mountain) began to assimilate with Indian concepts of divinity.

Cultural and Religious Importance

For people of ancient times, the Jadda Megalithic Site was a "gateway" between the human world and the spirit world. The sarcophagus was not just a place for disposing of bodies, but a boat for spirits to cross to the afterlife. The placement of the site on high plains or hillsides was not without reason; altitude was considered the closest place to the dwelling of gods or ancestral spirits.

To this day, the cultural value of this site is still felt. The local community still holds high respect for the existence of these stones. Some agricultural rituals, such as communal prayers during planting season, are sometimes still performed by adopting the philosophy of respecting the land and water inherited from the megalith builders' ancestors.

Conservation Status and Restoration Efforts

The Jadda Megalithic Site is currently under the supervision of the Bondowoso Regency Department of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Sports (Disparbudpora) and the Cultural Preservation Center. Its status as a Cultural Heritage requires special treatment to prevent the stones from weathering due to moss and extreme weather.

Restoration efforts are continuously carried out through re-documentation and periodic cleaning. The biggest challenge in conserving the Jadda Site is the threat from vandals and the expansion of residents' agricultural land. However, the local government has begun to integrate this site into the Ijen Geopark concept, which aims to preserve geological and cultural heritage simultaneously. The installation of information boards, better access paths, and education for the surrounding community are concrete steps to ensure the Jadda Site is not lost to time.

Unique Facts of the Jadda Site

One of the unique facts about the Jadda Site is the orientation of its sarcophagi. Most of the stone artifacts here face a specific mountain peak, reinforcing the theory that the megalithic people of Bondowoso had a highly organized cosmological system. Furthermore, fragments of pottery and stone tools have been found around the site, indicating that this area not only served as a burial ground but also as an area for complex daily activities.

As part of Indonesia's historical wealth, the Jadda Megalithic Site is a reminder that long before modern technology existed, the ancestors in Bondowoso possessed a high civilization, were able to manage nature with wisdom, and had a deep respect for the cycles of life and death.