Bongal Site in North Sumatra yields ancient coins, potentially rewriting Islam's arrival timeline

The Bongal Site, situated along the Lumut River in Tapanuli Tengah, North Sumatra, is emerging as a significant archaeological discovery that could reshape our understanding of Islam's early introduction to the Indonesian archipelago.

Recent excavations at the site have unearthed a collection of coins dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. This finding is particularly noteworthy as it suggests a potentially earlier timeline for Islamic influence in the region than previously established. The site is located in the Jago-Jago village, an area historically known as a guard post during the colonial era, with its name derived from the coastal word for 'watch' or 'guard'.

Historically, the Lumut River served as a crucial transportation route before the construction of a main road. The area saw settlement development in 1980, leading many residents to cultivate land on the Bongal hills. This agricultural activity continued into the 1990s, with some residents eventually selling their land to pursue livelihoods as fishermen. In 2001, Jago-Jago became part of the Lumut sub-district, now known as Badiri, an area characterized by hills and a population primarily engaged in fisheries and agriculture.

During the period of agricultural activity, residents discovered ancient artifacts, including a stone statue, in the Bongal hills. A 2001 report from the North Sumatra Archaeological Center mentioned the discovery of a Ganesha statue on a Bongal hill slope. While many residents sold their land, a few continued farming, and by 2009, one landowner reopened plantations for citrus and other crops, continuing the site's long history of human interaction and discovery.