Bukti Arkeologis yang Menunjukkan Keberadaan Pithecanthropus Erectus di Indonesia

The discovery of *Pithecanthropus erectus* fossils in Indonesia has provided invaluable insights into human evolution. These fossils, unearthed in various locations across the archipelago, offer compelling evidence of the presence of this early hominid species in the region. The significance of these findings lies in their contribution to our understanding of the evolutionary journey of humankind, particularly the migration patterns and adaptations of early hominids. This article delves into the key archaeological evidence that supports the existence of *Pithecanthropus erectus* in Indonesia, highlighting the importance of these discoveries in the field of paleoanthropology.

The Trinil Site: A Landmark Discovery

The Trinil site, located in the Ngawi Regency of East Java, holds a prominent place in the history of *Pithecanthropus erectus* research. It was here, in 1891, that Dutch anatomist Eugène Dubois unearthed the first *Pithecanthropus erectus* fossils, including a skullcap, a femur, and a few teeth. These remains, initially classified as *Pithecanthropus erectus*, later became known as *Homo erectus erectus*. The Trinil site's significance lies in its contribution to the understanding of *Pithecanthropus erectus* morphology and its implications for human evolution. The discovery of a skullcap with a relatively small braincase but a femur resembling that of modern humans suggested a bipedal gait, a crucial step in human evolution.

The Sangiran Site: A Rich Source of Fossils

The Sangiran site, situated in the Solo River Valley of Central Java, has yielded a wealth of *Pithecanthropus erectus* fossils, making it one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world. Excavations at Sangiran have unearthed over 130 *Pithecanthropus erectus* fossils, including skulls, jaws, teeth, and limb bones. These fossils, dating back to the Pleistocene epoch, provide a comprehensive picture of *Pithecanthropus erectus* morphology, variation, and adaptation. The Sangiran site has been instrumental in establishing the presence of *Pithecanthropus erectus* in Indonesia and its role in human evolution.

The Mojokerto Site: Evidence of Early *Pithecanthropus erectus*

The Mojokerto site, located in East Java, holds significance for its discovery of a *Pithecanthropus erectus* skullcap, known as the "Mojokerto Child." This skullcap, dating back to around 1.8 million years ago, is considered one of the oldest *Pithecanthropus erectus* fossils ever found. The Mojokerto Child's skullcap, with its relatively small braincase, provides insights into the early stages of *Pithecanthropus erectus* evolution and its presence in Indonesia during the early Pleistocene.

The Ngandong Site: Late *Pithecanthropus erectus* Remains

The Ngandong site, located in Central Java, is renowned for its discovery of late *Pithecanthropus erectus* fossils, including skulls, jaws, and teeth. These fossils, dating back to around 100,000 to 120,000 years ago, represent some of the latest *Pithecanthropus erectus* remains found in Indonesia. The Ngandong site's significance lies in its contribution to understanding the late stages of *Pithecanthropus erectus* evolution and its eventual disappearance from the Indonesian archipelago.

The Archaeological Evidence: A Testament to *Pithecanthropus erectus* in Indonesia

The archaeological evidence unearthed at various sites in Indonesia, including Trinil, Sangiran, Mojokerto, and Ngandong, provides compelling support for the existence of *Pithecanthropus erectus* in the region. These fossils, spanning a significant period of time, offer insights into the morphology, variation, and adaptation of this early hominid species. The discovery of *Pithecanthropus erectus* fossils in Indonesia has significantly contributed to our understanding of human evolution, particularly the migration patterns and adaptations of early hominids. The presence of *Pithecanthropus erectus* in Indonesia highlights the importance of the archipelago as a crucial location in the evolutionary journey of humankind.