KBRN, Ende: Liang Bua, meaning “cold cave” in the local Manggarai language, is a natural limestone cave in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, that has drawn global attention following the discovery of a previously unknown hominin species: Homo floresiensis, or Flores Man.

Standing approximately 100 cm tall and weighing just 25 kg, this ancient human was nicknamed the “Hobbit” due to its diminutive stature. Today, Liang Bua is recognized as one of the most significant archaeological sites of the 21st century.

Initial excavations were carried out by Indonesian archaeologists between 1978 and 1979, according to site caretaker Benyamin Ampur, who has closely followed the development of archaeological research at the cave.

From 2001 to 2009, collaborative studies expanded with teams from the University of New England and the University of Wollongong, Australia.

The most groundbreaking discovery occurred in 2003, when a joint team unearthed an ancient human skeleton six meters below the surface.

Homo floresiensis had a brain size significantly smaller than that of modern humans and is believed to have lived around 50,000 years ago. The findings have significantly reshaped scientific understanding of human evolution.

Excavations also revealed fossils of extinct fauna, including Stegodon elephants, Komodo dragons, giant storks, and oversized rats. “We found them at a depth of six meters, and the process didn’t take long. There were elephant bones, Komodo dragon bones, giant stork bones, and giant rat bones,” Benyamin said recently.

These findings highlight the unique prehistoric ecosystem of Flores Island. The fossils were later transported to Jakarta for further analysis.

Research at Liang Bua continues to this day. The site has evolved into an educational tourism destination, offering insights not only into ancient human life but also into the region’s geology, local culture, and the heritage of the Manggarai people. ***

Translator: Misni Parjiati

Editor: Lasti Martina