Jakarta (ANTARA) - Culture Minister Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of conserving the Mananga Marapu Cave Site in East Sumba District, East Nusa Tenggara Province.
During a visit to the Mananga Marapu Cave Site on Saturday (December 27), he said the cave preserves historical evidence of the development of Homo sapiens in East Sumba.
“The Mananga Marapu Cave Site in East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, is believed to have served as a dwelling place and shelter for Homo sapiens,” Zon said, as quoted in a ministry press release here on Sunday.
“At this site, many examples of rock art or cave paintings have also been found, particularly hand stencils made using red ochre,” he said, referring to the cave paintings at the site.
The minister noted that systematic conservation efforts are needed to ensure that the paintings at Mananga Marapu Cave remain preserved.
“Some of the paintings at Mananga Marapu Cave already appear to be fading. Therefore, conservation efforts are certainly required at this karst mountain area,” he said.
He also highlighted the need to protect the Mananga Marapu Cave Site from the impacts of climate change.
“After all, this series of caves is still used as a kind of living heritage. Rituals are still carried out here, and climate change may cause the colors of the paintings and handprints to fade,” he said.
Efforts to protect and preserve the Mananga Marapu Cave Site could be strengthened if the cave complex is designated as a cultural heritage site.
“Hopefully, the district government, through the cultural heritage expert team, can soon designate the Mananga Marapu Cave Site as a cultural heritage site at the district level so that we can immediately provide protection,” he said.
