Candi Jiwa Batujaya

Historical Origins and Construction Period

Candi Jiwa is not just an old brick structure; it is part of an archaeological complex spanning five square kilometers. Based on radiocarbon dating and artifact analysis, Candi Jiwa and its surrounding structures are estimated to have been built between the 2nd and 7th centuries AD. This places the Batujaya Site as one of the oldest temple complexes in the archipelago, predating the golden age of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom in Central Java or Borobudur and Prambanan temples.

The site was first discovered by an archaeological team from Universitas Indonesia in 1984. This discovery surprised the archaeological world as it proved the existence of large brick structures in the north coastal region of West Java, which had previously been thought to only have prehistoric or colonial era remains. Candi Jiwa is believed to be a relic from the transitional period from megalithic culture to Hindu-Buddhist influence, closely associated with the existence of the Tarumanegara Kingdom.

Architectural Characteristics and Construction Techniques

Visually, Candi Jiwa possesses unique characteristics that distinguish it from temples in Central or East Java. Its main structure is square, measuring approximately 19 x 19 meters with a remaining height of about 4.7 meters. The most striking feature is the absence of entrance stairs on this structure. Archaeologists hypothesize that the top of this temple was once a large stupa or a blooming lotus flower—a sacred symbol in Buddhist cosmology.

The construction of Candi Jiwa entirely uses red bricks without cement, instead employing a strong rubbing technique or natural adhesive. This brick technology shows a strong influence from South Indian architectural traditions, particularly the Amaravati or Anuradhapura styles from Sri Lanka. Another uniqueness is the use of "stucco" or a smooth plaster layer on the brick surface, remnants of which can still be found on some parts of the walls. This proves that in its time, the temple had a clean white and majestic appearance amidst the rice field landscape.

Historical Significance and Connection to the Tarumanegara Kingdom

Candi Jiwa is the most concrete archaeological evidence of the advancements of the Tarumanegara Kingdom, led by great kings like Purnawarman. Although Tarumanegara inscriptions are more commonly found in the Bogor region, the Batujaya Site—especially Candi Jiwa—served as a religious center and was likely an ancient river port due to its proximity to the Citarum River.

The presence of this complex indicates that in the 5th century, the community in the north coast of West Java already had a complex social organization, capable of mobilizing large labor forces, and possessed competent civil engineering knowledge to build on unstable swampy land. The discovery of various small inscriptions ("votive tablets") containing Buddhist mantras in Pallava script strengthens Candi Jiwa's position as a center for Mahayana Buddhist learning at that time.

Cultural and Religious Meaning

The name "Jiwa" itself originates from the local community's beliefs. Before excavation, the temple was a mound of earth called "unur" by the locals. Myths developed that livestock passing by the unur often died mysteriously, leading residents to call it "jiwa" (life/soul). However, from a spiritual-archaeological perspective, Candi Jiwa is understood as a stupa, a place for relics or symbols of enlightenment in Buddhist teachings.

This site confirms that West Java was the gateway for Buddhist influence in Indonesia through maritime routes. The existence of Candi Jiwa demonstrates syncretism and tolerance, where Indian influences were absorbed and adapted with local wisdom without erasing the original identity of the Karawang coastal community.

Preservation and Restoration Efforts

As a National Cultural Heritage Site, Candi Jiwa has undergone various stages of restoration by the Cultural Preservation Center. The main challenge in preserving this site is its location in the middle of active rice fields, which causes groundwater fluctuations and the risk of abrasion due to agricultural activities.

Restoration is carried out using limited anastylosis methods, which involve reassembling the original bricks found at the site. The government has also designated this area as an archaeological protected zone to prevent artifact looting. Currently, Candi Jiwa has become an educational historical tourist destination, equipped with a small museum housing important findings such as Tang Dynasty ceramics, gold jewelry, and statue fragments.

Unique Facts and Important Discoveries

One of the unique facts about Candi Jiwa is the orientation of its building towards specific angles, which are suspected to be related to ancient astronomical calculations. Furthermore, around Candi Jiwa, remnants of prehistoric human skeletons have been found buried with grave goods, indicating that this site was considered a sacred place long before the brick temple was built.

The discovery of Candi Jiwa also shattered the myth that great civilizations in Java were only centered in inland areas (like Yogyakarta and Solo). Batujaya proves that the north coast of West Java was an intellectual and international trade center connecting the archipelago with mainland Asia thousands of years ago.

Conclusion

Candi Jiwa Batujaya is a black pearl of Indonesian history. As the oldest brick structure in Java, it offers a window into a glorious past where technology, art, and spirituality harmoniously blended with nature. The preservation of Candi Jiwa is not just the responsibility of archaeologists, but of the entire nation to appreciate our identity as a great and open civilization since the dawn of history. Visiting Candi Jiwa is a spiritual and intellectual journey through time, reminding us that beneath the rice fields of Karawang, the heartbeat of the archipelago's history still beats strong.