Gunung Padang in Cianjur Regency, West Java, holds a mystery that remains a subject of debate. Many experts suspect that Gunung Padang is not just a natural hill but a man-made pyramid hidden beneath layers of soil and vegetation. If this theory is proven true, Gunung Padang could be the oldest pyramid in the world, surpassing the pyramids of Egypt and other ancient civilizations.
The Discovery of Gunung Padang
Local communities have long regarded Gunung Padang as a site of high spiritual significance. However, scientific research only began in 1979 by the National Archaeological Research Center. Since then, various follow-up studies have been conducted, including those led by geologist Danny Hilman Natawidjaja from the Ancient Catastrophic Team.
These studies suggest that Gunung Padang’s structure is not just composed of surface rocks but has deeper layers indicating the possibility of an ancient man-made construction.
Structure and Scientific Evidence
Various geophysical surveys have been carried out to uncover the mystery of Gunung Padang. Researchers have used ground-penetrating radar, seismic tomography, and core drilling to reveal tiered structures extending more than 30 meters deep.
Carbon dating analysis of soil samples indicates that the deepest layers are approximately 25,000 years old. If these claims hold, Gunung Padang would be far older than the Egyptian pyramids, which were built around 4,500 years ago.
Theories and Speculations
Gunung Padang has sparked various theories about who built it and for what purpose. Some theories suggest that Gunung Padang served as a place of worship or the center of an ancient, lost civilization. Some researchers even link it to the fabled civilizations of Atlantis or Lemuria, believed to have disappeared due to a great catastrophe.
However, some archaeologists remain skeptical. They argue that Gunung Padang is merely a natural hill with rock formations that developed through geological processes. They emphasize that concrete evidence is still insufficient to confirm that this site is a man-made pyramid.
Gunung Padang in Local Culture
For the local community, Gunung Padang holds significant mystical and spiritual value. Various legends surround the site. Some believe that Gunung Padang was a meditation place for ancestors or even possesses supernatural powers.
Many pilgrims and spiritual seekers visit this site. Some visitors claim to feel a certain energy or experience supernatural phenomena while at the location.
The Importance of Research and Preservation
The debate over Gunung Padang continues. The academic world and the Indonesian government must conduct further research. Deeper studies can provide a clearer understanding of the history of the Nusantara civilization and potentially reshape our view of global human history.
Beyond research, conservation efforts must also be strengthened. Gunung Padang needs protection from irresponsible exploitation and natural factors that could erode its historical value.
Gunung Padang remains a great mystery that captures global attention. Is this site truly the world’s oldest pyramid? Or is it merely a geological formation mistaken for an ancient structure? These questions remain unanswered. However, one thing is certain—Gunung Padang is an extraordinary historical relic that deserves greater attention from scientists, archaeologists, and the government.
