A state-of-the-art LIDAR survey conducted in the dense rainforests and coastal marshes of West Java has revealed a massive stepped terrace structure. Researchers associate the find with the 4th-century Tarumanagara Kingdom, one of Indonesia’s earliest Hindu-influenced polities, which was previously known mostly through stone inscriptions.
The structure, which spans over three hectares, appears to be a ceremonial platform or a proto-temple complex dedicated to Lord Vishnu, as evidenced by the local discovery of "Pada" (footprint) stones nearby. The architectural style shows a unique blend of Austronesian megalithic traditions and early Indian Shastric principles, predating the more famous Borobudur and Prambanan complexes by centuries.
Environmental analysis suggests the site was partially submerged due to rising sea levels and tectonic shifts in the 7th century, leading to its eventual abandonment. The discovery is expected to reshape the understanding of early maritime trade routes and the spread of Sanatan Dharma across the Indonesian archipelago during the first millennium.