Some interesting questions to be further investigated are:

1. What were the functions of the building complex in the Muarajambi region? With its similar architectural design as Nalanda, could Muarajambi complex be the most ancient seat of learning in Indonesia?

2. There are two places that were almost always mentioned in travelers’ journals. The first is the main harbor, and then the second place for longer term stay is believed to be Muarajambi complex.

•    Where did pilgrims such as I-Tsing, Wu-Hing, Dipamkara Shrijnana first arrive in Srivijaya?

•    Could their next or main destination be “Mo-lo-yeu (Melayu), i.e. Muarajambi complex at Batanghari river?

•    I-Tsing wrote that he arrived at Fo-Shih (Vijaya, Bhoja/Bhoga) in 671 CE and stayed for six months. Then the king gave him some support and sent him to Mo-lo-yeu, which is now called Shi-li-fo-shih (Srivijaya, Sribhoja, name of ‘country’), where he stayed for two months. Could this be in the vicinity of Muarajambi complex, or on the upstream of the Batanghari river?

3. The interpretation of Chinese character “郭 下” (kuo-shia) in I-Tsing’s journal reads as follows:

• Takakusu uses the term “fortified city” to translate the word “郭 下”, as cited in the following paragraph: “In the fortified city of Fo-Shih, (lived) Buddhist monks number more than 1,000, whose minds are bent on learning and good practice”.

• Indeed, the word “郭 下” means “complex/area”.

• O.W. Wolters interpreted “郭 下” as ‘suburbs’ so he tends to assume that “fortified city” refers to the area of Siguntang hill. However, this need not be the case, as mentioned above, the entire design and layout of Muarajambi complex is very similar to Nalanda, where monks lived in a cluster of buildings that were fortified or walled. In addition, according to monastic rules (the vinaya), monks and nuns are required to live in ‘enclosed compound’ (arama, vihara), not ‘scattered’ when they are not travelling. Hence, “fortified city” by I-Tsing was most probably referring to the complex of Muarajambi.

In conclusion, at least for more than four hundred years, from 7th CE (year of 671 when I-Tsing first arrived in Srivijaya) to the 11th CE (year of 1025 when Dipamkara Shrijnana left Srivijaya after studying for 12 years), Muarajambi complex in Sumatra may have been a seat of learning, the oldest and longest surviving learning centre in Indonesia.

The teachings from one of Muarajambi’s alumni, which once become the national religion of a major empire, are still being taught, studied and practiced by many people in many countries until this very day.