REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANDUNG -- The research area for West Java's megalithic site Gunung Padang has been expanded from 1.7 hectares to 25 hectares.

The Deputy Minister of Education and Culture Windu Rianti said on Friday that the West Java's administration planned on expanding the Gunung Padang research area to 25 hectares through a Governor Decree (pergub).

The Ministry also asked the Cianjur district administration to support and protect the core cultural heritage by formulating an expansion regulation.

"Therefore, more intensive excavation can be conducted and territorial conflicts with local people can be prevented," Windu Rianti said at the opening of the International Pasundaan Gotrasawala Festival, which is being held in Bandung.

The Gubernatorial regulation is also expected to boost tourism in Gunung Padang.

Therefore, spatial management, such as vendor or stall arrangements, would be necessary for accommodating tourist visits, Rianti pointed out.

However, to officially state Gunung Padang as cultural heritage, a ministerial decree needed to be passed, based on the recommendations made by a team of experts on cultural heritage, Rianti noted.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of West Java Deddy Mizwar pledged his support and asked that the Gunung Padang research should be continued.

"This research might answer questions about the speculation and mystery shrouding the site, as well as provide factual evidence and data," Mizwar said.

The Megalithic site of Gunung Padang is located in the Karyamukti village of the Campaka sub-district of Cianjur district in West Java.

It is considered the largest megalithic site in South-East Asia and has attracted international researchers to the site, which is covered with massive rectangular stones.

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