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Tracing Indonesia’s Legacy – Muarajambi Region

The 20.62 square kilometres (2,062 hectares) region of Muarajambi spreads across 7.5 kilometres along the Batanghari riverside.

A few temples buildings have been identified and a handful have been restored, including Candi Gedong I (65 m x 85 m), Candi Gedong II (76 m x 67.5 m), Candi Kembarbatu, Candi Kotamahligai (estimated 113.60 m x 95.60 m), Candi Gumpung (150 m x 155 m), Candi Kedaton (215 m x 250 m), Candi Tinggi, Candi Tinggi I, Candi Astano, Candi Sialang, Candi Teluk I , Candi Teluk II and Bukit Perak.

An estimated 80 ‘menapo’ (mounds of ruins) are still left unrestored. In addition, there are also several ponds, with Telagorajo pond being one of the biggest.

Muarajambi Region – Indonesia’s Oldest and Longest Centre of Education

While there are numerous literatures on explorations of Srivijaya, most of them refer to Srivijaya as a kingdom, as a centre of trade, and are more focused on its social-political life. However, archelogical indications, epigraphical evidences and various notes from travellers indicate that Srivijaya was also a main centre of education. In that case, where is the said education centre? What can we bring to light from the greatness of this legacy?

Archaeological and Epigraphical Evidences

When considering Muarajambi region, one must take into account the history of Srivijaya and its historical remains. The physical evidences mainly consist of the complex, various artifacts and statues as well as epigraphical evidences in the form of inscriptions.

Archaelogical Evidences

The main archaeological evidence is obviously the Muarajambi complex with scattered temple buildings, “menapos” (mound of ruins) and other remains such as statues and other artifacts. Relevant complex include the ones around Jambi and Batanghari river, Palembang and Musi river, Siguntang hill and the remains found in various other places.

Inscription of Kedukan Bukit

The Kedukan Bukit inscription, which was discovered in Kedukan Bukit on the Talang river bank near Palembang, dates from 683 CE. Kedukan Bukit inscription describes the siddhayatra (victory march) by Dapunta Hyang, together with more than 20,000 troops, celebrating the conquest of Melayu by Srivijaya. At the final section of the inscription, appears the word “jayasiddhayatra”, which means “victorious journey” (in accordance to the translation used by Prof. Dr. Slamet Muljana in his book Sriwijaya, p.136).

The inscription of Kedukan Bukit:

1.     svasti çrï çakavarsâtïta 605  ekâdaçï çu-
Blessing! In the Saka year 605 on the eleventh day

2. klapaksa vulan vaiçà- kha dapunta hiyang nâyik di
On the full moon of Waisaka dapunta hiyang took a

3. sâmvau  mangalap siddhayàtra di saptamï çuklapaksa
A boat and conducted siddhayàtra. On the seventh day on the full moon

4. vulan jyestha dapunta hiyang  marlapas dari minânga
Of the month jyestha dapunta hiyang leaving from minânga