D-G: Too early for conclusions

D-G: Too early for conclusions
BY TEOH TEIK HOONG AND AUDREY EDWARDS

PETALING JAYA: Authorities said that the satellite image of the possible site of the lost city of Kota Gelanggi has strengthened the belief that “something” existed in the area.

Department of Museums and Antiquities director-general Datuk Dr Adi Taha said the image acquired by The Star from the Malaysian Centre for Remote Sensing (Macres) had confirmed that some structures or logging tracks existed in the area.

“There is no doubt about that now,” he said.

Adi said although it was too early to make conclusions, satellite images had in the past helped in archaeological research even in the discovery of Angkor Wat.

He said the department would meet Macres officials this week to get their help.

“We will lead a team to the site and engage professionals to be part of the team,” he added.

Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the expedition team to be led by the department to locate the lost city in Johor have been told to “leave no stone unturned” in carrying out the job given to them.


SUPERIMPOSED IMAGE FOR THE POSSIBLE CHANDI KOTA GELANGGI
Photo by Raimy Che-Ross

Possible features of the chandi

1. Slightlty small than Borobudur, and may either be the same age or slightly older

2. Entire complex sits on a large square platform, which sits on a larger lozenge-like mound dais

3. Attached to the chandi's northwestern flank facing the river is an ancillary temple flanked by a double-walled enclosure, which may be a royal temple or the abode for senior monks

4. Framing its southeastern end is a sharply pointed platform, resembling the tip of an arrow, with steps in the middle leading up to a small temple pavilion that forms the gateway to the main chandi itself. There are also earthen and granite ramparts zigzagging up the sides of the chandi.

5. There are numerous other temples and ruins scattered throughout the area

He said that full responsibility had been handed over to the department and the ministry would only assist when necessary.

“I was shown the images by various people but being a sceptic myself, I realise there is no scientific conclusion as to what was underneath,” he said when commenting on the satellite images.

“The Museums Department already has some formative pictures but it is not comprehensive unless we go there and find out for ourselves.

“What we have now presently is not comprehensive enough to indicate that what lies below is a formation.

“But it does give the perimeter and aerial view of the area,” he said.

Rais said the required report on the team's work would have to be submitted to the Cabinet in August.

“If they find that they cannot go on, then the ministry will come in to assist them,” he added.

The team is expected to have their first meeting on Thursday to plan for a mid-March expedition.