Pasir Awi inscription

The Pasir Awi is a stone inscription set on a steep slope in the Cipamingkis forest area near Sukamakmur in West Java. The large stone carries footprints and pictographs showing branches, leaves and fruits on its surface.

A Dutch archaeologist discovered this stone inscription in 1864 during an exploration of the region and documented it as one of the oldest finds from the western Javanese kingdom. Researchers date it to the 4th century and connect it to six other stones from the same period.

The stone features carved footprints facing north and east, along with pictographs depicting branches with leaves and fruits from the 4th century.

Access follows the Sukaraja Dayeuh road, from which a trail through dense forest leads to steep stone steps climbing up to the slope. Good footwear and some fitness are needed, as the path is uneven and passes through damp woodland.

The stone inscription shows curled letters that remain undeciphered to this day and continue to puzzle researchers. Multiple attempts over the decades have brought no clarity about the content of the message from ancient times.