Origin Theory of Humans ‘Out of Nusantara’ Proposed by Minister of Culture, What Is It?

Jakarta – Indonesian Minister of Culture Fadli Zon introduced the theory of Out of Nusantara as one of the origin theories of humans. He believes the basis for this theory is strong. The Minister mentioned that there have also been theories proposing an Out of Asia origin theory. ‘So far, the theory has always been that humans come from Africa. They say all humans are from Africa. This theory has been challenged with hypotheses of multiregional migration as well,’ said the Minister. He further stated, ‘It could also be from Asia to Africa, to Europe, and vice versa.’ Why Propose the Out of Nusantara Theory? He revealed that he referred to the Out of Nusantara theory because of the numerous discoveries in Indonesia. These findings serve as subjects for further research. ‘Our ancient paintings are 51,200 years old, and there are many discoveries, like in Maros Pangkep where there are over 700 ancient paintings with the oldest being 51,200 years old. In Sangkurilang Cave in East Kalimantan, there are 58 caves with 2,500 panels,’ he explained. The Minister also mentioned the ancestral remains in Lidah Ajer Cave, West Sumatra, estimated to be 60,000 years old, and in Harimau Cave, South Sumatra, estimated to be 20,000 years old. ‘And there are many depictions of boats. So, our ancestors may have migrated using boats,’ Fadli Zon said. ‘That was the era of Homo sapiens. The era of Homo erectus, which we do not know much about, has the most findings, with 60% found here as well,’ he added. He stated that he presented this theory so that people would not be fixated on the established Out of Africa theory. According to him, an Out of Nusantara theory is also plausible. ‘And many are starting to consider this new theory. I indeed suggest Out of Nusantara, and yes, it can be debated scientifically,’ he concluded. Archaeologist’s Contradiction Meanwhile, according to archaeologist from the National Archaeological Research Center, Professor Harry Truman Simanjuntak, Nusantara humans all came from outside. ‘Nothing grew in Nusantara because evolution came from Africa,’ he stated, as reported by RRI. Harry Truman believes that there is no evidence supporting the Out of Nusantara theory. He mentioned that Homo erectus in Indonesia is younger than those found in Africa. He also expressed that Homo erectus from Trinil, Ngandong, Sangiran, or Bumiayu is not the ancestor of Indonesian Homo sapiens. ‘Homo erectus did not descend to Homo sapiens like us,’ he revealed.