Archaeologists say a recently discovered ancient tunnel in Bali’s Buleleng regency may have dated all the way back to the 11th century, after construction workers stumbled upon it last month while building a dam in the area.
The tunnel, located inside the area where Tamblang Dam is being developed at the border of Sawan and Kubutambahan districts, was initially thought to have originated during the Dutch colonial period in Indonesia. However, further investigation following its discovery on Nov. 28 have revealed that it may be much older.
I Gusti Made Suarbawa, who heads the Archaeology Center in Denpasar, said yesterday that there’s indication the tunnel was from the time of ancient Bali kingdoms based on its dimensions and its similarity to another tunnel from that period, which was also found in Sawan district.
This tunnel is about 480 meters long and is just wide enough to be traversed by the average adult. Suarbawa said the tunnel may have been built as a waterway for irrigation on the paddy fields.
“It’s possible that this tunnel was from around the 11th century. This is looking at the context and location, which makes it very possible that it originated from the ancient Bali period,” Suarbawa said.
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