Answer for Oral Question PL082

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman

YANG BERHORMAT AWANG HAJI MD. SALLEH BIN HAJI OTHMAN asked the MENTERI KEBUDAYAAN, BELIA DAN SUKAN to state how findings from historical, archaeological and oral history research can be utilised to identify historical sites that have yet to be explored or documented.

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan

It must be emphasised that the identification and documentation of historical sites cannot be carried out based solely on interpretations or assumptions. Instead, it requires an integrated approach based on strong evidence through three main methods:

i. Research into Written Sources (Manuscripts and Archival Materials)

The research begins by examining written sources such as the Salasilah Raja-Raja Brunei, syair, old treaties, as well as records of Western travellers and traders. Documents stored at the National Archives of Brunei Darussalam, libraries and museums are critically analysed to identify indications of locations that may potentially be historical sites. This study is important as a scholarly reference base for understanding the historical development, governance and early settlements that shaped the identity of the nation’s heritage.

ii. Archaeological Studies and Physical Evidence

Hypotheses derived from written sources are subsequently tested through field studies and archaeological discoveries such as pottery fragments, stone tools, old building structures, gravestones, burial sites and maritime historical remains. This physical evidence provides scientific confirmation of the existence of human activity during a particular historical period and helps determine the significance and function of a site as part of the nation’s heritage treasures.

For example, the Sungai Lumut Site began to be excavated in 1968, 1978 and the 1980s. Further research and excavation were conducted on 10 July 1999, resulting in the discovery of several fragments of artefacts such as beads and pottery.

In addition, research work at the site of a house construction project in Mukim Peramu and Kampong Saba, Mukim Saba, was conducted on 26 May 2011, 30 May 2011 and 14 June 2011. This research project followed a report from the Public Works Department regarding the discovery of artefacts during the implementation of the project. The visits resulted in the discovery of a number of artefacts, including 108 pottery fragments. Monitoring work for The Regeneration of River Eco-Corridor project was carried out in 2014 at Kampong Sumbiling Lama, given that the kampong has historical significance and archaeological potential.

However, the results of monitoring conducted jointly with the Public Works Department confirmed that no old artefacts were found in the area. Subsequently, continuous research and excavation work at the Kota Batu Site, in collaboration with the Brunei History Centre, was carried out in 2024 and resulted in the discovery of several artefact remains such as gravestone fragments, fragments of burial structures and ceramics.

All these examples demonstrate that the discovery of archaeological materials serves not only as historical evidence but also as an important guide in identifying new sites with potential for exploration and documentation.

iii. Strengthening through Oral History

Information from the local community, including elders and local researchers, is cross-checked against documents and archaeological artefacts. These oral traditions preserve collective memories that help identify historical sites and strengthen the preservation of historical and cultural values for future generations.

When these three sources are combined and compared, researchers can identify patterns and similarities in the geographical characteristics of an area, and subsequently predict other locations that may potentially contain cultural remains. The identified areas can then be verified through field surveys and systematic documentation to ensure that the sites are properly recorded and preserved. In addition, monitoring areas involved in new development also helps ensure that any archaeological artefact discoveries can be identified and recorded before earthworks commence.

Therefore, these integrated efforts and approaches are highly important in ensuring the sustainability of cultural remains for the reference and benefit of future generations.