Myth and Reality of King Ajisaka from Medang Kamulan in the Oral and Megalithic Traditions of East Java, Indonesia

Abstract

In the study of oral tradition, myth is positioned as a sacred story. Being purified, myths are upheld and respected.Mythological research needs to be conducted to strengthen national resilience in the field of culture and to revitalize local wisdom.The research on these mythical and historical elements of megalithic site in East Java was conducted with a multidisciplinaryapproach, which was a combination of oral, linguistic, and historical research. Ancient myths in East Java have great contributionto open the mystery of King Ajisaka in 1 Saka or 79 AD in Medang Kamulan community in East Java. Oral tradition andchronogram in Batu Solor-Ijen slope, informs that the Batu So'on site was built within 11 Saka or 89 AD. King Ajisaka wasreplaced by his son King Batu Bajak in 51 Saka or 129 AD. King Batu Bajak was replaced by his son King Batu Gunungin 71Saka or 149 AD. There is a Malay Proto script carved on Batu So'on. Batu Solor, Mount Budheg, and Kelayar Beach in Pacitanhad better be further investigated for the reconstruction of existing sites. Furthermore, it is necessary to compose the narration ofancient cultures of Indonesian archipelago and these need to be developed as tourism objects and integrated learning resourcesbased on oral tradition, historical objects and the beauty of nature.