The debate surrounding Gunung Padang, a megalithic site in West Java, Indonesia, persists in 2025. Recent discussions have reignited interest in the site, with some researchers claiming it could be the world's oldest pyramid, predating even the Egyptian pyramids. However, this claim remains highly controversial among archaeologists and geologists.
A study published in 2023, which suggested that Gunung Padang dates back to 25,000-14,000 BCE, has since been retracted due to concerns about the dating methods used. Critics argue that the rock formations could be naturally occurring and that the dating may have been based on organic material in the soil rather than actual human activity. Despite the controversy, Indonesian authorities have reopened research on Gunung Padang, with the Ministry of Culture pushing for further excavations and geological surveys.
While some experts like Danny Hilman Natawidjaja maintain that Gunung Padang is a man-made structure with advanced masonry skills, others remain skeptical, citing a lack of concrete evidence. The site features terraced stone formations made of andesite columns, leading to local legends of lost civilizations and supernatural energies. The ongoing research aims to settle the debate and determine the true nature and significance of Gunung Padang.