Fires threaten Indonesia’s oldest cave paintings
Heat and smoke could accelerate the deterioration of prehistoric art on Sulawesi.
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Indonesia’s oldest known cave paintings are under threat from heat and smoke from forest and land fires on Sulawesi. Researchers warn that the conditions could accelerate the deterioration of the artworks.
The paintings are located in limestone caves in the Maros-Pangkep region of South Sulawesi. One of the scenes depicts human-like figures associated with a pig. Researchers from Griffith University dated the work to at least 51,200 years old.
Other paintings in the area are more than 67,000 years old. This makes them among the earliest known figurative art. The dating is based on scientific analyses; the exact age varies by painting and by the method used.
Indonesia is facing particularly severe forest and land fires this year. According to Reuters, Sumatra and Borneo have been hit hardest, but fires have also spread to Sulawesi. A strong El Niño is contributing to higher temperatures and lower rainfall, making forests and peatlands drier.
Smoke and heat can alter humidity and chemical conditions in caves. This can encourage salt formation, mould and the flaking of pigments. The researchers warn of this risk, but the precise rate at which individual paintings are deteriorating has not yet been established.
The fires therefore pose not only a climate and health problem, but also a threat to cultural heritage. Protection requires monitoring the caves, limiting fire outbreaks and taking measures against smoke and heat. The report is not about the destruction of the paintings: at present, the main concern is an increased risk of damage.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Forest and land fires threaten caves on Sulawesi.
- The caves contain very old figurative paintings.
- Researchers warn that heat and smoke could accelerate deterioration.
- A strong El Niño is associated with higher temperatures and lower rainfall.
Left
Arguments The fires show that climate policy and the protection of vulnerable heritage must be addressed together. Prevention, nature management and international support outweigh short-term land-use interests.
Values Climate justice, public protection and the preservation of nature and culture.
Consequences More prevention costs money now, but could limit irreversible damage and future health costs.
Centre
Arguments Protection should be based on measurements and feasible measures: fire monitoring, peatland management and cooperation with local communities. Not every claim of damage has been proved.
Values Scientific care, feasibility and institutional cooperation.
Consequences A phased approach can direct resources towards the most vulnerable caves without imposing unproven measures.
Right
Arguments The primary responsibility lies with Indonesia itself and with effective land and fire-service management. International climate programmes must not lead to bureaucracy or restrictions without demonstrable results.
Values National responsibility, property rights, efficiency and local control.
Consequences Targeted firefighting can deliver quick results, but insufficient climate policy will allow the underlying problems of drought and heat to persist.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The available source confirms the location, age and current fire threat. The text remains cautious about the extent of the damage and distinguishes between measured conditions and possible consequences.
- confirmed The cave paintings are located in Maros-Pangkep on Sulawesi. — Reuters describes the caves in South Sulawesi and the Maros-Pangkep region. source
- confirmed One painting is at least 51,200 years old. — Reuters reports the dating by researchers from Griffith University. source
- confirmed Heat and smoke could accelerate deterioration. — The source reports that researchers warn of this; the text therefore presents it as a risk. source
Editor's note
The age, location and fire threat are based on Reuters. The effects on humidity, salt formation and pigments are described as risks; the source does not establish complete or confirmed destruction.Sources
- The world's oldest cave paintings in Indonesia under threat of wildfires — Reuters via MarketScreener
More on this in Dutch media
- NU.nl — „indonesië sulawesi”
- De Telegraaf — „indonesië sulawesi”
- Trouw — „indonesië sulawesi”