A recent exhibit, this past September, in Denpasar highlighted not simply the problem of vandalism but the lack of attention archaeology receives in Bali. The archaeological displays were set up in the basement of the Faculty of Letters, in Sanglah, Denpasar.

The exhibit featured artifacts from the various periods of Bali’s and Indonesia’s past. Represented were pieces from the prehistoric to the classical, including the Islamic and colonial periods.

There are lost treasures, undoubtedly stolen at one time, that included a Buddha statue from the Goa Gajah archaeological site in Gianyar and a prehistoric Kenong stone, later found in an artshop in Kuta. The internet has made it much easier for perpetrators to sell artifacts anywhere in the world.

A handwritten Koran from the 17th century was found preserved in the Bugis village in Serangan island; an important artifact from the Islamic period. Also on display were Suwarna, gold coins from the ancient Mataram kingdom in the 9th century. They are believed to be among the archipelago’s earliest monetary units.

Further details of the presentation can be found in the Jakarta Post .