Bojongsari Site

Exploring the Traces of Civilization at Bojongsari Site: Indramayu's Historical Heritage

Bojongsari Site is one of the important points on the archaeological and historical map of the North Coast (Pantura) of West Java, precisely in Indramayu Regency. Located in Bojongsari Village, Indramayu District, this site holds collective memory about the transition of power, the spread of religion, and the social structure of coastal communities in the past. Its existence is not merely a pile of artifacts, but tangible evidence of the historical dynamics that shape Indramayu's identity to this day.

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Origins and Historical Periodization

Bojongsari Site has a close connection with the transitional period from the Hindu-Buddhist influence to the Islamic era in Java. Historically, this area began to stand out during the golden age of the Cirebon Sultanate and the early period of the establishment of the Indramayu Adipati (Dharma Ayu). Based on findings of ceramic fragments and brick structures, archaeologists estimate that this site has been active since the 16th to 17th centuries AD.

The name "Bojongsari" itself originates from the topography of its region. In Sundanese and Old Javanese, "Bojong" often refers to a cape or land jutting into a river/sea, while "Sari" means beauty or essence. This indicates that in the past, the location of this site was a strategic area on the edge of the old Cimanuk River, which was the lifeline for trade and transportation to the ancient port of Indramayu.

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Architecture and Construction Details

One of the prominent characteristics of the Bojongsari Site is the use of large red bricks, which have characteristics similar to bricks from the late Majapahit Kingdom or the early Cirebon Sultanate period. The building structures found at this site show a brick laying pattern without modern mortar, but rather using a rubbing technique or thin clay.

Architecturally, the remnants of buildings at Bojongsari reflect a blend of local styles with external influences. The foundation structures found indicate a division of space suggesting functions as sacred places or residences of nobility. In addition, fragments of local pottery and foreign ceramics, especially from the Ming and Qing dynasties, are often found around the site, proving that the inhabitants of this area had access to international trade commodities. The presence of remnants of ancient teak wood at several excavation points also suggests that the buildings above the brick foundations once used magnificent wooden structures.

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Historical Significance and Important Events

Bojongsari Site plays a vital role in reconstructing the history of Indramayu's establishment. This site is believed to be related to the legendary figure Raden Arya Wiralodra, the founder of Indramayu. According to local manuscripts and oral traditions, the Bojongsari area was one of the initial settlement points opened by Wiralodra's group when they were clearing land (babad alas) around the Cimanuk River valley.

An important event associated with this site is the Islamization process in the western coastal region. Bojongsari functioned as a meeting point between the agrarian culture of the interior and the maritime culture. It was here that defense strategies against pirate attacks and irrigation arrangements for rice fields began to be formulated, which subsequently made Indramayu a rice granary for centuries.

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Figures and Periodic Connections

The main figures whose names are always echoed at Bojongsari Site are Raden Arya Wiralodra and his loyal companion, Ki Tinggil. The existence of this site strengthens the narrative of their leadership in managing an area that was once swamps and wilderness. Furthermore, this site also has a connection with Syekh Syarif Hidayatullah (Sunan Gunung Jati) in the context of expanding the influence of the Cirebon Sultanate westward.

Periodically, Bojongsari is a silent witness to political shifts from the fading power of Pajajaran towards Islamic dominance. The site also records early colonial traces, where the VOC began to eye the potential of the Cimanuk River as an export port for rice seeds, which transformed the socio-economic landscape around Bojongsari from a spiritual-traditional center to a more administrative-commercial area.

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Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, Bojongsari Site is under the supervision of the Cultural Preservation Center (BPK) Region IX and the Indramayu Regency Culture and Tourism Office. Excavation efforts have been carried out several times to uncover deeper layers regarding the actual extent of this site complex. Although most of the structures are still buried underground or located under residential areas, the local government continues to strive for zoning to protect the core areas of the site.

The main challenges in preservation are natural factors, such as river sedimentation and urbanization. However, local community awareness is growing through the formation of history-conscious communities that regularly conduct cleaning and guarding activities in the site area. Current restoration plans are focused on securing discovered artifacts and building protective shelters so that ancient brick structures do not weather due to extreme weather.

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Cultural and Religious Importance

For the people of Indramayu, Bojongsari Site is not just an object of scientific research, but a place with sacred value. Every year, especially on Indramayu's anniversary, this site becomes a destination for pilgrimages and traditional ceremonies. This indicates a cultural continuity between the past and the present.

Religiously, this site is considered a trace of the struggle of saints and knights in upholding justice and spreading Islam. The existence of ancient wells around the site is often considered to have philosophical value about the source of life (knowledge and prosperity). The "Ngarot" culture and various agricultural rituals in Indramayu are also believed to have traditional roots that stem from the reverence for old lands like Bojongsari.

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Unique Facts and Conclusion

One unique aspect that distinguishes Bojongsari Site from other sites in West Java is the discovery of a "Stacked Brick" pattern that is almost twice the size of current standard bricks, with each brick weighing 5-7 kilograms. Furthermore, ancient coins (kepeng) are often found at this location, indicating how active the economic activities were in the past.

Bojongsari Site is a very valuable piece of the puzzle for the history of the Nusantara archipelago. As a symbol of the resilience of coastal communities and local wisdom in managing nature, this site demands more attention from the younger generation to be continuously studied and preserved. Through Bojongsari Site, we learn that the progress of a nation is never separated from the historical roots firmly planted in its homeland.