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We report on results from surveys undertaken in Sumatra during 2018 and 2019. The surveys had three objectives: (1) to examine, sample, and record the extensive Quaternary fossil deposits from caves in West Sumatra; (2) determine the potential for fluvial deposits in Riau and Jambi provinces; and (3) relocate the fossil proboscidean remains reported from Bangka Island. Our surveys produced several significant results. We mapped three important Padang Highland caves, Ngalau Lida Ajer, Ngalau Sampit, and Ngalau Gupin, locating and sampling the main fossil deposits in each, as well as recording additional caves in the region. Our surveys of the fluvial systems in central-west Sumatra did not reveal any vertebrate Pleistocene deposits but did yield Mio-Pliocene trace fossils. Finally, we relocated elephant fossils from Bangka, but no in situ vertebrate remains could be found. These finds add important new data to the geological history of Sumatra.

The Kambaniru River valley near the city of Waingapu preserves a thick succession of coarse-grained fluvial-deltaic sediment deposited during the Late Pleistocene. This succession incises through a thick uplifted coral reef terrace succession and records intervals of highly episodic flow events during the last glacial interval. The occurrence of intraclastic, coarse sand/gravel matrix olistostromes in several areas attests to the occasionally catastrophic nature of flow in the ancestral Kambaniru River. Small to moderate-sized coral-rich reefs and laterally restricted reef terraces occur on delta-front conglomerate successions at multiple horizons through the study interval. These reefs record both intervals of low flow as well as periodic river-mouth avulsion episodes. Comparison of radiometric dates obtained from pelecypod and coral material from both deltaic successions and laterally adjacent coral reef terrace intervals indicates that uplift/subsidence history of the terraces differs from that of the valley and that correlation between the two should be taken with care.

A marine sediment core EW17-09 (03˚ 28’358” latitude and 96˚ 18’788” longitude, 870 m water depth, 390 cm core length) was retrieved from the western Sumatra, Simeulue sub-basin, Indonesia. Simeulue sub-basin are situated in eastern Indian Ocean, western part of Aceh Province, which is one of the outer islands in Indonesia. This sub-basin is influenced by adjacent lands in response to tectonic and climate dynamics. The dynamics of marine ecological conditions in the past is an urgent need for providing an analogy to the changes in the future conditions. In this study, the ecological conditions were examined by identifying the vertical distribution of planktonic foraminifera assemblages. This preliminary study demonstrated the presence of Globigerinoides ruber, Neogloboquadrina dutertrei, Pulleniatina obliquiloculata, Globigerina calida calida, Globigerinoides elongates, Globigerinoides cyclostomus and Globigerinoides sacculiferus in the samples. The assemblages indicate warm water conditions prevailed in the Simeulue sub-basin during the deposition of the samples. However, subtle ecological changes might have occurred in response to the dynamic of thermocline layer. Cluster analysis of planktonic foraminifera abundance and diversity resulted in three groups showing different ecological conditions. Warm water conditions, high salinity, deeper thermocline with moderate sedimentation disturbance prevailed during the deposition of lower part of the core. Oligotropic water conditions with higher temperature, lower salinity, shallower thermocline layer, and moderate sedimentation disturbance predominated during the deposition of the middle part of the core. The paleooceanography conditions of the upper part of the core are comparable to the lower part. Nevertheless, there are a shoaling of the thermocline in the end of the period. These conditions may indicate an increase in upwelling fluctuations and may represent a change in the IOD-like mean state of the Indian Ocean.

Orangutan (Pongo spp.) fossils have been found throughout much of Pleistocene Southeast Asia. Today, Pongo is restricted to three living species on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. They are predominately frugivores, and during fruit masting events their diets can consist entirely of fruit. However, food procurement strategies between masting events differ between islands and thus species. Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii) are largely able to fall back on non-masting fruit species, such as figs, such that they can maintain higher quality diets compared to their Bornean counterparts (Pongo pygmaeus), who ingest more lower quality and tougher foods between masting events. However, diets of fossil orangutans remain largely unknown. We investigated the diets of Sumatran orangutans from the Pleistocene deposits of the Padang Highlands, western Sumatra, using dental microwear texture analysis. We tested whether the diets of the fossil species were similar to those of Bornean orangutans, all great apes generally, and macaques that occupy similar habitats to modern orangutans, in order to gain insights into palaeoenvironments present in western Sumatra. We found that fossil orangutans consumed foods less tough than modern Bornean Pongo pygmaeus, and thus presumably more fleshy fruits (absent of significant seed mastication). We found no differences in the amount of hard object feeding between modern and fossil orangutans. Taken together, we suggest that Pleistocene orangutans from western Sumatra had similar diets to Pongo abelii, indicating that masting events were not a significant contributing factor in their intake of fruit. Finally, we suggest anisotropy values in orangutan dental microwear may be an important marker for fruit masting events in the Pleistocene.

Some of the earliest evidence for the presence of modern humans in rainforests has come from the fossil deposits of Lida Ajer in Sumatra. Two human teeth from this cave were estimated to be 73–63 thousand years old, which is significantly older than some estimates of modern human migration out of Africa based on genetic data. The deposits were interpreted as being associated with a rainforest environment based largely on the presence of abundant orangutan fossils. As well as the main fossil-bearing chamber, fossil-bearing passages are present below a sinkhole, although the relationship between the different fossil deposits has only been tenuously established. Here, we provide significant new sedimentological, geochronological and palaeoecological data aimed at reconstructing the speleological and environmental history of the cave and the clastic and fossil deposits therein. Our data suggest that the Lida Ajer fossils were deposited during Marine Isotope Stage 4, with fossils from the lower passages older than the main fossil chamber. Our use of stable carbon and oxygen isotope analyses of mammalian tooth enamel demonstrates that early humans probably occupied a closed-canopy forest very similar to those present in the region today, although the fossil orangutans may have occupied a slightly different niche. 1. Background 2. Material and methods (a) Speleology and sedimentary infill of the cave (b) Geochronology (c) Stable isotope analysis 3. Results (a) Speleology and sedimentary infill of the cave (b) Geochronology (i) Age and growth rate of the stalagmite (ii) Solution uranium-series analyses of dental tissues (iii) Combined uranium-series and electron spin resonance dating of fossil tooth enamel (iv) Luminescence dating (c) Stable isotope analysis 4. Discussion (a) Speleological history (b) Palaeoenvironmental history 5. Conclusion

Homo erectus is the founding early hominin species of Island Southeast Asia, and reached Java (Indonesia) more than 1.5 million years ago1,2. Twelve H. erectus calvaria (skull caps) and two tibiae (lower leg bones) were discovered from a bone bed located about 20 m above the Solo River at Ngandong (Central Java) between 1931 and 19333,4, and are of the youngest, most-advanced form of H. erectus5–8. Despite the importance of the Ngandong fossils, the relationship between the fossils, terrace fill and ages have been heavily debated9–14. Here, to resolve the age of the Ngandong evidence, we use Bayesian modelling of 52 radiometric age estimates to establish—to our knowledge—the first robust chronology at regional, valley and local scales. We used uranium-series dating of speleothems to constrain regional landscape evolution; luminescence, 40argon/39argon (40Ar/39Ar) and uranium-series dating to constrain the sequence of terrace evolution; and applied uranium-series and uranium series–electron-spin resonance (US–ESR) dating to non-human fossils to directly date our re-excavation of Ngandong5,15. We show that at least by 500 thousand years ago (ka) the Solo River was diverted into the Kendeng Hills, and that it formed the Solo terrace sequence between 316 and 31 ka and the Ngandong terrace between about 140 and 92 ka. Non-human fossils recovered during the re-excavation of Ngandong date to between 109 and 106 ka (uranium-series minimum)16 and 134 and 118 ka (US–ESR), with modelled ages of 117 to 108 thousand years (kyr) for the H. erectus bone bed, which accumulated during flood conditions3,17. These results negate the extreme ages that have been proposed for the site and solidify Ngandong as the last known occurrence of this long-lived species. Bayesian modelling of radiometric age estimates provides a robust chronology for Homo erectus at Ngandong (Java), confirming that this site currently represents the last known occurrence of this species.

Ichnofossils are still not used in paleoecological studies, even though they are a valuable proxy for paleoecology. This study focused on a semi-quantitative approach to a number of ichnofabric variables, i.e. ichnofossil association, bioturbation index (BI), ichnodiversity (ID), number of behaviors (NB), penetration depth (PD), and burrow diameter (DM). It was proved that the scores of those variables were low to medium because of the paleoecological fluvial-marine transition depositional processes in the Serravallian-Tortonian interval in Kutai Basin, Indonesia. This paper contributes an ichnofabric model that is visualized as histograms. One histogram shows the most common ichnofossil associations found in ichnofabric units, i.e., Ophiomorpha, Skolithos, Paleophycus, Planolites, Thalassinoides, and Chondrites. The other histograms describe the ichnofabric variables scores for BI, ID, NB, PD, and DM. The variables represent low to medium scores, a characteristic of a brackish paleoecology at basin-scale, a unique indicator for the fluvial-marine transition depositional system.

Sulawesi is known for its complex geological and biogeographic history, which is reflected in their extinct and extant faunal assemblage. Evidence of oldest terrestrial fauna in Sulawesi was found in the Early Pleistocene sediment and evolved since then. Despite being mostly isolated from the mainland Southeast Asia; four successive Proboscidean taxa have been found from the southern part of the island. The four taxa are: Stegoloxodon celebensis, Stegodon sompoensis, Stegodon sp. B, and cf. Palaeoloxodon namadicus, in which respective taxa are included in successive faunal stages. The aim of this research is to reconstruct the diet and palaeoenvironment of these Proboscidean taxa by incorporating stable isotope analysis with the fossil faunal record, geology, and stratigraphy. Stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope analysis were especially used in this study. Our result suggests that Stegoloxodon celebensis and Stegodon sompoensis were flexible feeders and were able to adapt to different niches, from closed canopy forest to open vegetation, while the diets of Stegodon sp. B, Celebochoerus heekereni and cf. Palaeoloxodon namadicus suggest that they were more specialized.

Buku ini merupakan buku kenangan Prof. Yahdi Zaim saat purna tugas pada tanggal 24 Mei 2021.This book is written to commemorate the retirement of Prof. Yahdi Zaim on May 24th 2021.Editor:Sukiato KhurniawanKontributor: Ayi R. Sacadipura, Herman Darman Nisrina Bahiyah Kesuma, Aswan, Mika Rizki Puspaningrum Nadila Novandaru, Daniel Adipradipto, Abdul Bari, Ricky Andrian Tampubolon, Maria Sekar Proborukmi, Mirzam Abdurrachman, Andhika Putra, Rina Zuraida, Resti Samyati Jatiningrum Muhammad Imron.

Age determination of paleotsunami sediment from Lombok Island, Indonesia, and surrounding area has been carried out using the 210Pb method in BATAN Jakarta. The basic theory of this method assumes that weathering of sediments, including paleotsunami sediments, will result in 210Pb enrichment. The principle of this method is to calculate 210Pb contents accumulation in a particular sedimentation interval from the surface to the deeper buried sediments. The results are then converted into age or depositional time in years ago unit. The dating results from the paleotsunami sediments of the Gawah Pudak (S8°46′2.91″, E115°56′34.23″) and Gili Trawangan areas (S8°21′1.38″, E116o2′36.6″) indicate the Gawah Pudak sediments were deposited 37 years ago (c. in 1977) and 22 years ago (c. in 1992). Three paleotsunami sediments from Gili Trawangan were deposited 149 years ago (c. in 1865), 117 years ago (c. in 1897) and 42 years ago (c. in 1972). These results are then compared to the available Indonesian earthquake catalogue data. This study reveals that paleotsunami sediments around Lombok Islands, from older to younger, were caused by the 1857 earthquake (epicentre in Bali Sea; M7; S8°00′09.45″, E115°29′56.41″), 1897 earthquake (epicentre in Flores Sea; M5.5; S6°47′59.62″, E120°48′03.5″ or Sulu Sea earthquake; M8.5; 70 km NW of Basilan Island), the 1975 earthquake (Nusa Tenggara; S10°6′16.61″, E123°48′09.39″), 1977 earthquake (in Waingapu, Sumba; M8.0; S11°5′39.34″, E118°27′50.86″) and the 1992 earthquake (Flores; M7.8; S8°28′52.11″, E121°53′44.3″).

The Plio-Pleistocene of the eastern Kendeng Zone (Java, Indonesia) consists of a >1250 m thick series, passing upwards from diatomaceous laminated mudstones to blue clays and deltaic sandstones. The fine-grained marine beds have received little attention from researchers. Age assumptions are based on correlations with better-studied sections in the western Kendeng Zone. In contrast, the deltaic sandstones at the top of the series have received ample attention. These beds are renowned for their fossil vertebrate fauna, including Homo erectus. Lately, doubts have arisen concerning the age and stratigraphic position of the fossiliferous sandstones. The aim of this study is to establish a detailed biostratigraphy of the fine-grained marine beds, which may also provide new age indications for the overlying fossil-bearing sandstones. We selected the Marmoyo and Sumberingin Sections as suitable representatives for the local marine stratigraphy. Both sections were logged and sampled and the samples were analysed for their foraminifera content. The sections provide sufficient biostratigraphic markers to allow for a reasonable age control. We found that the diatomaceous facies is older than previously thought: it dates from the Early Pliocene and corresponds in age with bathyal, foraminifera-rich mudstones of the western Kendeng Zone. It implies the existence of two bio-geographic zones in the Early Pliocene basin, with eutrophic, oxygen-depleted conditions in the east and normal oxygen conditions in the west. The diatomaceous mudstones change upwards into foraminifera-rich mudstones, marking a return to normal oxygen conditions later in the Early Pliocene, and eventually into blue clays, representing a shift from bathyal to outer shelf conditions in the Late Pliocene. Higher up in the blue clays, changes in the planktonic foraminifera assemblage indicate cooler water conditions, which we relate to the beginning of the Pleistocene. Although generally regarded as a continuous regressive series, our work revealed the existence of an unconformity within the blue clays. The blue clays above this unconformity represent a shallow marine, deltaic setting. It is this second blue clay series that passes conformably into the overlying deltaic sandstones. The presence of reworked planktonic foraminifera in the upper clay-series hampers adequate biostratigraphic dating, but the stratigraphic break within the clays suggests that this second sequence is younger than previously assumed.

Research at Kidang Cave of karst region of Blora starting since 2005 and still on going up to now. Study results during excavation are artifacts, ekofak, features, skeleton (grave), and a fireplace. Archaeological findings show intensively inhabited in this cave for a long timeGeosciences of geology and geophysics approach which are applied in Kidang have an important role in guiding an excavation program in the site location. Conceptual geological model is reconstructed based on karst morphology analysis and sedimentology feature of adjacent area. The geophysical survey carried out in the Kidang cave area are ground penetrating radar (GPR), geolectrical and geomagnetic survey. In this paper we are demonstrated the integrated approach of geosciences approach in revealing subsurface condition of the archeological site. GPR is an effective method at dry and smooth terrain, hyperbolic feature is identify in difference amplitude and bright form. The geoelectrical survey is targeting more general feature of the sedimentary rock thickness, which reflected by resistivity value. The geomagnetic survey result is able to located some hard or higher density rock or archeological object, which is buried in the subsurface.

A stratified paleosol sequence exposed in an open pit mine in central Sumatra provides a record of the paleoenvironmental conditions in the lower reaches of a large river system in the late Paleogene (latest Eocene or Oligocene). Morphological, geochemical, and stable isotope data suggest that the sequence represents a mosaic of local environmental conditions changing from estuarine to riverine up section. Weakly expressed soils formed on low-lying estuary surfaces, while more well expressed soils formed on higher, better drained surfaces. Peatlands (coal) with clayey subsoils were along the estuary margins. Well-expressed soils with evidence of clay translocation and chemical weathering become more common higher in the section where alluvial deposits associated with a meandering river are dominant. Stable carbon isotope ratios support a paleolandscape dominated by C 3 plants with input by C 4 vegetation limited to a few intervals. Finally, whole-rock geochemistry suggests moderate chemical weathering consistent with a tropical locality. This multi-proxy paleoenvironmental reconstruction suggests a highly productive lowland forest environment at this locality in the late Paleogene and provides the first direct examination of the terrestrial environment in Sumatra at this time. The limited fossil record in Island Southeast Asia during this time period is likely a result of poor bone and shell preservation in tropical forest environments combined with a general lack of systematic prospecting. However, our continuing work in this area has produced a relatively diverse assemblage of fossil vertebrates, now including fishes, amphibians, turtles, crocodiles, and mammals, as well as a growing diversity of fossil plants.

Documentation of trace fossil from Indonesia is urgently necessary. Accordingly, thirteen ichnofossil has been put on public view in the poster includes: Ophiomorpha, Thallasinoides, Chondrites, Planolites, Macaronichnus, Rhizocorallium, Paleophycus, Bergaueria, Siphonichnus, Diplocraterion, Rosselia, and Zoophycos. that come from Lower Miocene outcrops in Samarinda Area, Kutai Basin Indonesia.

The identification of demarcation surfaces of ichnofabric criteria is introduced here with reference to outcrops study in Samarinda Area, Kutai Basin Indonesia. Accordingly, the ichnofabric criteria such as ichnotaxa, tiering styles, BI (bioturbation index), diversity, burrow diameter, and penetration depth are gathered, processed, analyzed. Consequently, the three ichnofabric criteria include (1) the changes from section composed predominantly of ichnofossil to another one that absent of ichnofossil or vice versa, (2) the changes of multiple tiering styles to single tiering styles or vice versa, (3) the changes of internal tiering styles within of the single tiering style section are resulted. Moreover, those criteria are representative of three demarcation surfaces that proposed.

Sejak awal perkembangannya, iknologi telah diarahkan untuk menafsirkan lingkungan pengendapan atau tempat akumulasi sedimen. Gencarnya penelitian-penelitian dengan berbagai pendekatan, menunjukkan iknologi sedang menuju proses kematangannya. Inventarisasi iknofosil lingkungan pengendapan adalah pendekatan yang paling banyak dilakukan termasuk di Indonesia. Kecendrungan pendekatan seperti ini justru menempatkan iknofosil kehilangan nilai dalam rekonstruksi lingkungan pengendapan secara lebih presisi. Pendekatan yang diusulkan dalam tulisan ini seperti (1) pengamatan aspek iknofabrik secara keseluruhan, (2) penekanan pada penafsiran proses atau kondisi lingkungan, (3) pertimbangan pada skala pengamatan dan skala penafsiran berpotensi memberikan informasi yang lebih lengkap terkait kondisi lingkungan pengendapan, misalnya dinamika kecepatan relatif, konsistensi substrat tempat organisme membuat koloni, RPD (redox potential discontinuity) dan fluktuasi temperatur. Diharapkan pengembangan iknologi dan integrasinya dengan disiplin ilmu terkait dapat menafsirkan tempat akumulasi sedimen secara lebih meyakinkan.

Ichnofabric characteristic from tidal deposit

Documentation of trace fossil from Indonesia is urgently necessary. Accordingly, thirteen ichnofossil has been put on public view in the poster includes: Ophiomorpha, Thallasinoides, Chondrites, Planolites, Macaronichnus, Rhizocorallium, Paleophycus, Bergaueria, Siphonichnus, Diplocraterion, Rosselia, and Zoophycos. that come from Lower Miocene outcrops in Samarinda Area, Kutai Basin Indonesia.

Since the interaction of fluvial, wave and tidal processes was proven in Samarinda, Kutai Basin (Indonesia), then the interpretation of the depositional system lead to a deltaic system. However, interpretation of depositional system remained a challenge, because other systems (e.g., estuary, strandplain and lagoon) could be formed within a deltaic system. Here, we demonstrate the testing by ichnofabric methods to reveal the paleoenvironmental processes in a deltaic system. The bioturbation index (BI), ichnodiversity (ID), number of behavior (NB), penetration depth (PD), ichnofossil diameter (Dm), in ichnofabric units were scrutinized. The data were processed by principal component analysis (PCA). The main findings were (1) the PC-1 and PC-2 oscillatory curves, and (2) the phase between PC-1 and PC-2 curves (i.e., out of phase and in phase). The PC-1 curve was loaded by BI, ID, and NB and the PC-2 was loaded by PD and Dm. The generated curves were interpreted as the indicators of colonization window, organism mobility, and space using by the organism. The oscillatory curve suggested how the organism interact with the substrate are repeated. In conclusion, the generated curves associated with the change of the intensity of fluvial, tidal, and wave processes that occurred in tide-dominated depositional systems.

Using PCA for ichnological studies

Documentation of trace fossil from Indonesia is urgently necessary. Accordingly, thirteen ichnofossil has been put on public view in the poster includes: Ophiomorpha, Thallasinoides, Chondrites, Planolites, Macaronichnus, Rhizocorallium, Paleophycus, Bergaueria, Siphonichnus, Diplocraterion, Rosselia, and Zoophycos. that come from Lower Miocene outcrops in Samarinda Area, Kutai Basin Indonesia.

Ichnofabric analysis by optimizing ichnological data such as: ichnotaxa, tiering styles, BI (bioturbation index), diversity, burrow diameter, and penetration depth have been done at Palaran outcrop in Samarinda Area, Kutai Basin Indonesia. The overall sedimentological interpretation is impressive that the substrate consistency, substrate stability, erosional and burial processes, and tranquil event had been determined. However, those interpretations are sedimentological events that should not be connote to the specific depositional environment

A large of ichnofabric variables (e.g. bioturbationindex, ichnodiversity, ethology, penetration depth, andburrow diameter) from 381 ichnofabric units has beencollected in Miocene deltaic setting in Lower KutaiBasin. The principal component analysis (PCA) wasused to transform a large ichnofabric variables into itsmain, representative features by projection of the datainto a two-dimensional presentation. The findings ofthis research are (1) principal components (i.e. PC-1and PC-2) which is composed by ichnofabric variables,(2) principal component curves. PC-1 is made up ofbioturbation index, ichnodiversity, ethology,penetration depth, and maximum burrow diameter with different magnitude. Conversely, PC-2 is constituted bythe penetration depth (PD) and maximum burrowdiameter (Dm). The transformation of ichnofabricvariables generate the curves that demonstrate thepaleodepositional environment such as colonizationwindow, biological factor, paleoenvironmentalconditions and dynamics.

Mollusk paleontology research in Indonesia so far has not been widely utilized in various kinds of applications, especially in the geology. Although mollusk in Java is very rich, the study of correlation between mollusk appearances with geological condition is rare. This study aimed to determine Turritellidae base on morphological observations (qualitative) and quantitative (biometric method). The ultimate goal is to find out the relationship between of biometrical aspect of Turritellidae with geological development especially of chronological conditions. Stratigraphic analysis and sampling have done at five location of field survey. Site selection was based on the type locality of mollusk biostratigraphic unit arrange by Martin (1919) [1] and Oostingh (1938) [2]. The scattered analysis shows two large distribution of consistent groups based on shell size and geochronological aspect. Biometrical aspect of Turritellidae is reflection of the chronological aspect in West Java. Small size was appearance in Upper Miocene to Lower Pliocene and large shell in Pliocene to Pleistocene.

Ichnofabric analysis by optimizing ichnological datasuch as: ichnotaxa, tiering styles, BI (bioturbation index),diversity, burrow diameter, and penetration depthhave been done at Palaran outcrop in Samarinda Area,Kutai Basin Indonesia. The overall sedimentologicalinterpretation is impressive that the substrate consistency,substrate stability, erosional and burial processes,and tranquil event had been determined. However,those interpretations are sedimentological events thatshould not be connote to the specific depositional environment..

The identification of demarcation surfaces of ichnofabriccriteria is introduced here with reference to outcropsstudy in Samarinda Area, Kutai Basin Indonesia. Accordingly,the ichnofabric criteria such as ichnotaxa,tiering styles, BI (bioturbation index), diversity, burrowdiameter, and penetration depth are gathered, processed,analyzed. Consequently, the three ichnofabriccriteria include (1) the changes from section composedpredominantly of ichnofossil to another one that absentof ichnofossil or vice versa, (2) the changes of multipletiering styles to single tiering styles or vice versa, (3)the changes of internal tiering styles within of the singletiering style section are resulted. Moreover, thosecriteria are representative of three demarcation surfacesthat proposed.

A low diversity trace fossil assemblage is described from the Oligocene Sawahlunto Formation near Kandi, in the northwestern part of the Ombilin Basin in western Sumatra, Indonesia. This trace fossil assemblage includes six ichnogenera attributed to invertebrate infaunal and epifaunal activities ( Arenicolites, Diplocraterion, Planolites, Monocraterion / Skolithos and Coenobichnus ) and two ichnotaxa attributed to vertebrate activity (avian footprints: two species of Aquatilavipes ). Arenicolites , Diplocraterion and Monocraterion / Skolithos record the suspension feeding activities of either arthropods (most likely amphipods) or vermiform organisms. Planolites reflects the presence of an infaunal deposit feeder. Coenobichnus records the walking activities of hermit crabs. Both the Coenobichnus and the avian footprints record the surficial detritus scavenging of epifaunal organisms within a subaerial setting. These traces occur within a fine-grained sandstone succession characterized by planar laminae and low-relief, asymmetrical, commonly mud-draped (locally bidirectional) ripples. The presence of traces attributable to suspension feeders implies deposition in a subaqueous setting. Their occurrence (particularly the presence of Arenicolites and Diplocraterion ) in a sandstone bed characterized by mud-draped and bidirectional ripples implies emplacement in a tidally-influenced marine to marginal marine setting. Co-occurrence of these traces with well-preserved avian footprints ( Aquatilavipes ) further implies periodic subaerial exposure. Thus, it is most likely that the Sawahlunto Formation near Kandi records deposition within an intertidal flat setting. Definitive evidence of marine influences in the Oligocene interval of the Ombilin Basin implies a more complex tectono-stratigraphic history than has previously been implied.

Recent fieldwork in the Ombilin Basin of west-central Sumatra resulted in the discovery of two distinct types of avian footprints, both referable to the ichnogenus Aquatilavipes. The footprints were discovered in the Oligocene Sawahlunto Formation in a creek side outcrop near the Kandi Ombilin Mine. Aquatilavipes wallacei is a small species of Aquatilavipes (∼ 19 mm wide; 27 mm long) with elongate third digits, wide total divarication angles (120–150°) and inwardly curved peripheral digits. Aquatilavipes ichnospecies A are also small traces (average 21 mm wide; 31 mm long) with elongate third digits and straight to slightly outwardly curved peripheral digits. These traces are similar in morphology to those of small modern shorebirds such as rails (Rallidae), sandpipers (Scolapacidae) or plovers (Charadriinae). The Sawahlunto traces occur in very fine-grained to fine-grained sandstone characterized by low-relief current ripples, many of which exhibit mud-draping. A low diversity invertebrate trace fossil a...

Skull IX (Tjg-1993.05) was unearthed from the upper stratigraphic zone (Bapang-AG levels) of the hominin-bearing sequence in Sangiran. This remarkably complete cranial specimen of Homo erectus from the early Pleistocene of Java preserves substantial portions of the vault and face. However, the distortion present in the original reconstruction has hampered detailed documentation of its morphological characteristics. We here report a new reconstruction of Skull IX that successfully recovers the original morphology and significantly differs from previous reconstructions. Detailed morphological description and the results of initial comparative analyses based on this new reconstruction are provided. The endocranial volume of Skull IX was measured as 870 cc using micro-CT data. The neurocranium of Skull IX is slightly smaller than the so far recorded smallest cranium from this zone, suggesting this individual was female. In most, but not all, aspects of the cranial vault form, details of the external surface structures, and facial morphology, Skull IX exhibits numerous similarities to the other Bapang-AG H. erectus specimens, indicating that it belonged to the Bapang-AG H. erectus population. Drawing on the expanded fossil sample of this chronoregional H. erectus group, we discuss their evolutionary status, degree of sexual dimorphism, and facial morphological variation in Afro-Asian earlier Homo specimens.

The detail taxonomy analysis was performed to classify Acropora corals in Ujunggenteng Area. The research area was selected because the continuously exposed Quaternary coralline limestones, indicated the high variation and wide distribution of coral fossils. Moreover, the facies changes and contacts with shoreface sediments were clearly observed in this area. Detail taxonomy based on morphological description can classify Acropora corals in Ujunggenteng area into four species: Acropora cervicornis , Acropora palifera , Acropora gemmifera , and Acropora humilis . The study of coral paleontology and the application of the presence of corals as a standard facies belt were still rarely performed in Indonesia. Previous studies classified the coralline limestone into one standard facies belt, which was the organic build- up standard facies belt. Another approach was required to capture many conditions of coral fossil occurrences; not only in build-up condition but also in transported condition. Therefore, another purpose of this study is to modify the standard facies belt with a different approach using coral taphonomy and sediment association. Analisis taksonomi secara detil dilakukan untuk mengklasifikasikan koral Acropora di daerah Ujunggenteng. Daerah penelitian dipilih karena tersingkapnya batugamping terumbu berumur Kuarter yang menerus, yang menunjukkan tingginya jumlah spesies dan distribusi fosil koral yang luas. Selain itu, perubahan fasies dan kontak dengan batupasir pantai dapat jelas diamati pada daerah ini. Taksonomi detil berdasarkan deskripsi morfologi dapat mengelompokkan koral Acropora di daerah Ujunggenteng menjadi empat spesies: Acropora cervicornis, Acropora palifera, Acropora gemmifera, dan Acropora humilis . Selain itu, studi mengenai paleontologi dan penggunaan kehadiran koral sebagai dasar pembagian sabuk standar fasies batugamping masih jarang dilakukan di Indonesia. Studi sebelumnya mengelompokkan batugamping terumbu menjadi satu sabuk standar fasies, yaitu organic build up . Pendekatan yang lain diperlukan untuk menjelaskan kondisi koral lainnya pada batugamping, tidak hanya dalam kondisi tumbuh, tetapi juga dalam kondisi tertransportasi. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memodifikasi sabuk standar fasies dengan pendekatan berbeda menggunakan tafonomi koral dan asosiasi sedimen.

Documentation of trace fossil from Indonesia is urgently necessary. Accordingly, thirteen ichnofossil has been put on public view in the poster includes: Ophiomorpha, Thallasinoides, Chondrites, Planolites, Macaronichnus, Rhizocorallium, Paleophycus, Bergaueria, Siphonichnus, Diplocraterion, Rosselia, and Zoophycos. that come from Lower Miocene outcrops in Samarinda Area, Kutai Basin Indonesia.

The Sangiran Dome is the primary stratigraphic window for the Solo Basin, a coastal feature on the Pliocene–Pleistocene Sunda subcontinent south margin. In the Dome, the Lower Lahar unit (LLU) is a lahar-type debris flow overlying near-shore marine sediments. The event that emplaced the LLU likely originated from sector collapse on a neighboring volcanic edifice. Freshwater mollusc fossils in the LLU indicate that swamps or shallow lakes lay between the edifice and the current Dome area. 40Ar/39Ar analyses on hornblende separates from six pumice lenses suggest that the LLU was deposited as early as 1.90±0.02 Ma. The event resulting in deposition of the LLU transformed late Pliocene near-shore marine environments into estuarine and marsh settings. Shortly thereafter, glacioeustatic sea level falls completed the local transition to fully terrestrial environments that attracted Homo erectus to southernmost Sunda in the Early Pleistocene.

Along the southern coast of East Java Indonesia, at a number of localities, it can be identified and attempted to assign the age of tsunami deposit. Laboratory analyses were conducted also to support this study such as Granulometry, Paleontology and radiometric dating analysis. The presence of tsunami 1994 deposit in the area of Pancer, Lampon, Prigi and Grajagan was found, as a result of 7.8 Magnitude Banyuwangi Earthquake. The radiometric dating analysis also identified some paleotsunami deposit of about 1921 and 1930 in the area of Prigi and Teleng. This paleotsunami is assumed to have a correlation with an earthquake in the south of Java at the same time. An outcrop in the Prigi and Teleng strongly convinced the fact of an earthquake generated tsunami in the south of Java in the year of about 1921 and 1930.

Cilacap Area is situated in coastal area of Southern Java and directly affected by tsunami hazard in 2006. This event was triggered by active subduction in Java Trench which active since long time ago. To detect tsunami and active tectonic in Southern Java, paleo-tsunami study is performed which is targeted paleo-tsunami deposit older than fifty years ago. During 2011 - 2016, 16 locations which suspected as paleo-tsunami location were visited and the test-pits were performed to obtain characteristic and stratigraphy of paleo-tsunami layers. Paleo-tsunami layer was identified by the presence of light-sand in the upper part of paleo-soil, liquefaction fine grain sandstone, and many rip-up clast of mudstone. The systematic samples were taken and analysis (micro-fauna, grainsize and dating analysis). Micro-fauna result shows that paleo-tsunami layer consist of benthonic foraminifera assemblages from different bathymetry and mixing in one layer. Moreover, grainsize shows random grain distribution which characterized as turbulence and strong wave deposit. Paleo-tsunami layers in Cilacap area are correlated using paleo-soil as marker. There are three paleo-tsunami layers and the distribution can be identified as PS-A, PS-B and PS-C. The samples which were taken in Glempang Pasir layer are being dated using Pb – Zn (Lead-Zinc) method. The result of Pb - Zn (Lead-Zinc) dating shows that PS-A was deposited in 139 years ago, PS-B in 21 years ago, and PS C in 10 years ago. This result indicates that PS -1 occurred in 1883 earthquake activity while PS B formed in 1982 earthquake and PS-C was formed by 2006 earthquake. For ongoing research, the older paleo-tsunami layers were determined in the Gua Nagaraja, close to Selok location and 6 layers of Paleo-tsunami suspect found which shown a similar characteristic with the layers from another location. The three layers deeper approximately have an older age than another location in Cilacap.

Jablonski and Tyler (1999) announced a new subspecies of colobine monkey based on a fossil partial maxilla from the Sangiran dome. The specimen is easily assigned to a living leaf monkey species—most extant Southeast Asian catarrhines differ only subspecifically from their Middle Pleistocene earliest local fossil ancestors. Yet Jablonski and Tyler (1999) reported an improbable provenance for the specimen; a mass-flow volcanic breccia generally considered late Pliocene in age. We show that the Lower Lahar was laid down amidst a range of paludal habitats and that its deposition predates the appearance of all-but-now extinct, water-tolerant mammals on emergent Java. No other catarrhine fossil has been ascribed to the Lower Lahar, not even hominins, which are the most gregarious members of the group. More probable provenance lies in the upper Sangiran or the lower Bapang formations. Either alternative would associate the specimen with other catarrhine fossils in more tenable Pleistocene environments. We also unravel errors and inconsistencies in the contextual report and in the discussion of dome geochronology. The various radiometric, paleomagnetic, and paleontologic studies cited show a discordance of about 300 Ka (thousand years) across the lithostratigraphic sequence. Plio-Pleistocene biogeographic hypotheses for Java must work with short and long chronologies.

Sangiran (Solo Basin, Central Java, Indonesia) is the singular Homo erectus fossil locale for Early Pleistocene Southeast Asia. Sangiran is the source for more than 80 specimens in deposits with (40)Ar/(39)Ar ages of 1.51-0.9 Ma. In April 2001, we recovered a H. erectus left maxilla fragment (preserving P(3)- M(2)) from the Sangiran site of Bapang. The find spot lies at the base of the Bapang Formation type section in cemented gravelly sands traditionally called the Grenzbank Zone. Two meters above the find spot, pumice hornblende has produced an (40)Ar/(39)Ar age of 1.51 ± 0.08 Ma. With the addition of Bpg 2001.04, Sangiran now has five H. erectus maxillae. We compare the new maxilla with homologs representing Sangiran H. erectus, Zhoukoudian H. erectus, Western H. erectus (pooled African and Georgian specimens), and Homo habilis. Greatest contrast is with the Zhoukoudian maxillae, which appear to exhibit a derived pattern of premolar-molar relationships compared to Western and Sangiran H. erectus. The dental patterns suggest distinct demic origins for the earlier H. erectus populations represented at Sangiran and the later population represented at Zhoukoudian. These two east Asian populations, separated by 5000 km and nearly 800 k.yr., may have had separate origins from different African/west Eurasian populations.

A sequence of paleosols in the Solo Basin, Central Java, Indonesia, documents the local and regional environments present when Homo erectus spread through Southeast Asia during the early Pleistocene. The earliest human immigrants encountered a low-relief lake-margin landscape dominated by moist grasslands with open woodlands in the driest landscape positions. By 1.5 Ma, large streams filled the lake and the landscape became more riverine in nature, with riparian forests, savanna, and open woodland. Paleosol morphology and carbon isotope values of soil organic matter and pedogenic carbonates indicate a long-term shift toward regional drying or increased duration of the annual dry season through the early Pleistocene. This suggests that an annual dry season associated with monsoon conditions was an important aspect of the paleoclimate in which early humans spread from Africa to Southeast Asia.