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'Mysterious fossils'in Bekasi yet to be classified
Residents of the remote Muara Gembong area, 60 kilometers north of Bekasi, on Saturday discovered what they say are fossils belonging to a large, mysterious animal
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Residents of the remote Muara Gembong area, 60 kilometers north of Bekasi, on Saturday discovered what they say are fossils belonging to a large, mysterious animal.
Resident Muasim was the first to discover the remains, while digging a fish pond.
Upon his discovery, Muasim thought it was a large chunk of wood. But after he observed it further, he said he saw that it was a piece of bone.
More bones were discovered and after a preliminary reconstruction, it seems the animal was somewhere between 6 to 6.5 meters long.
A total of more than 200 pieces of fossilized bones were discovered. Locals believe the bones belonged to a pre-historic dinosaur.
The head of Muara Gembong Police, Adj. Comr. Lestariyono, said the largest bone was 42 centimeters long.
"We can't be sure what kind of animal this is. We are still trying to contact the archaeological department. They have the required skills." he said.
"For the moment, all we know is that it is an ancient, large animal."
The bones were mostly buried two meters deep, which, according to the police, implies that it might have been buried for more than 200 years.
The Muara Gembong subdistrict office will facilitate a detailed investigation and coordination between the police and the archaeological department, said Makmur Sanusi, head of the subdistrict's public order unit. (hdt)
