Utilization of the Bongal Site for Learning Indonesian Language History: An Archaeoanthropological Study

This research stems from dissatisfaction with how the history of the Indonesian language is taught in universities, which cannot explore historical sources relevant to the language. Therefore, this paper aims to identify archaeological evidence at the Bongal Site, Jagojago Village, Central Tapanuli Regency, which can be used as a new resource for learning the history of the Indonesian language. This research applies an archaeoanthropological approach, with data collection including observation of archaeological findings, interviews with residents, and review of related literature. The discovery of tin inscriptions and wooden boards inscribed with Old Malay script at the Bongal Site shows that this site has essential values related to the history of the Old Malay language, which can be utilized as more sophisticated learning materials in universities. The uniqueness of this site also lies in the older age of its inscriptions compared to the epigraphy of tombstones and Tamil inscriptions at the Old Lobu Site, Barus. In addition, this research proposes using this historical site in a web-based learning model, which will facilitate the learning process and increase accessibility. Thus, the results of this research offer a new approach to developing the learning of the history of the Indonesian language that is more innovative, relevant, and connected to local historical heritage.