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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Archaeologists from the Central Java Cultural Heritage Preservation Office estimate that the stupa found in Nepen Village, Boyolali, originates from the classical Buddhist period in Central Java, Indonesia, specifically from the 8th to the 10th century AD.
Wardiyah, the Cultural Officer at the Central Java Cultural Heritage Preservation Office, stated that the initial identification of the object indicates that the stone structure is a stupa. "The ancient object found by the residents has clear characteristics of the holy architectural morphology of Buddhist religious beliefs," Wardiyah said on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
According to Wardiyah, a stupa generally consists of several main components, namely Prasada, Anda, Harmika, and Yasti. Based on inventory data from the Central Java Cultural Heritage Preservation Office, this recent discovery is the fifth stupa found in the ancient settlement area of Nepen Village.
Wardiyah mentioned that the newly discovered stupa has a more complete structural elements and decorative motifs compared to the four previously found stupas in the same area. Field identification results indicate the presence of the Prasada component or the base, Anda which is bell-shaped, and a Harmika in a square shape at the top. However, the Yasti component or the pole that is usually located at the top of the stupa has not been found around the excavation site.
The stone surface ornamentation is dominated by floral motifs in the form of intertwining vines. Meanwhile, ornaments in the Harmika section in the form of antefixes were found, which are believed to have been unfinished.
Referring to similar findings in the Central Java region, especially in the ancient cultural areas on the slopes of Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu, the Central Java Cultural Heritage Preservation Office estimates that the artifact dates back to the classical Hindu-Buddhist period with a Buddhist religious background. "From the Hindu-Buddhist classical period, and its background clearly indicates the Buddhist religion," said Wardiyah.
Wardiyah stated that archaeological remains scattered in the Merapi-Merbabu region are generally estimated to originate from the 8th to the 10th century AD. At that time, the stupa functioned as a center for worship and religious activities for Buddhist followers after the passing of the Buddha.
This finding strengthens the suspicion that Nepen Village was once a settlement area for people who adhered to the Buddhist religion. "Based on various historical evidence, it can be assumed that the area had a Buddhist cultural support. What is certain is that the community was characterized by a Buddhist religious background," she said.
The large stone object was discovered by residents on Thursday, May 14, 2026, around 11:00 AM local time, during the process of opening a road access for the construction of a cattle pen using heavy equipment.
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