Punden Berundak (Stone Terrace), Batu Lumpang (Stone Mortars), and Batu Dakon (Cup-Marked Stones): A Continuing Austronesian Megalithic Ritual System in Bumiayu, Brebes, Central Java

Nurul Laili*, Nanang Saptono, Endang Widyastuti

The Bumiayu area in Brebes Regency preserves megalithic remains, including punden berundak (stone terraces), batu lumpang (stone mortars) integrated with terraces, and batu dakon (cup-marked stones) scattered across the landscape. These elements suggest a complex ritual spatial arrangement that cannot be fully understood when considered separately. This study proposes that together they form an integrated ritual system rooted in the cosmological legacy of Austronesian culture, which has persisted over time and continues to be interpreted within local community practices. Punden berundak reflects a layered cosmology, where different spatial levels carry symbolic meanings related to ancestors and the supernatural, rather than simply representing monumental or hierarchical structures. Batu lumpang, fixed within terrace constructions, probably served as media for communal offerings, while the movable batu dakon allowed more flexible rituals, performed individually or in small groups. The coexistence of fixed and movable elements highlights the dynamic nature of Austronesian ritual spaces. Comparative evidence from Island Southeast Asia places the Bumiayu system within a broader Austronesian tradition. Therefore, these megalithic remains should not be treated as isolated artifacts, but as expressions of a living Austronesian legacy, demonstrating continuity of ritual meaning across space, symbols, and landscape. By emphasizing a landscape-based approach, this study offers insights into the persistence of Austronesian ritual practices in Java and contributes to understanding long-term cultural continuity.