Kerangka Arkeologi Industri Maritim Melalui Integrasi Analisis  Multi-Kaedah di Kompleks Arkeologi Sungai Batu ke Arah Pengurusan Warisan : (Maritime Industrial Archaeology Framework through Multi-Method Analysis Integration in the Sungai Batu Archaeological Complex towards Archaeotourism Heritage Management)

Mohd Hasfarisham Abd Halim; Mazlan Mahmud; Mokhtar Saidin

doi:10.32890/ahjmm2026.4.22

Authors

Mohd Hasfarisham Abd Halim Institut Alam dan Tamadun Melayu, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Bangi Selangor, Malaysia
Mazlan Mahmud Ancient Kedah Heritage Resource Sungai Petani, Kedah, Malaysia
Mokhtar Saidin Geopark and Geoheritage Creative Solution Sungai Petani, Kedah, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32890/ahjmm2026.4.22

Keywords:

Kompleks Arkeologi Sungai Batu, kerajaan Kedah Tua, integrasi multi kaedah, interpretasi arkeologi

Abstract

ABSTRAK

Kompleks Arkeologi Sungai Batu (KASB) di Lembah Bujang, Kedah telah diiktiraf sebagai pusat industri besi dan perdagangan terawal di Asia Tenggara sejak kurun keenam Sebelum Masihi (SM). Walaupun kajian-kajian terdahulu telah menghasilkan penemuan penting melalui analisis saintifik dan ekskavasi arkeologi, terdapat jurang ketara dalam mengintegrasikan data multi-kaedah ini untuk rekonstruksi sosio-ekonomi yang komprehensif dan pengurusan warisan yang holistik. Kajian ini bertujuan membangunkan kerangka metodologi bersepadu yang menggabungkan data ekskavasi arkeologi, analisis saintifik dan kronologi mutlak untuk merekonstruksi rangkaian ekonomi maritim, organisasi sosial dan teknologi metalurgi kerajaan Kedah Tua. Metodologi kajian melibatkan analisis sekunder terhadap 24 penerbitan saintifik (2021-2026) dan sintesis data arkeometri daripada 17 tapak peleburan besi, 11 jeti sungai, 18 pengurusan pelabuhan dan satu kompleks ritual dan monumen Buddha. Kajian ini menyumbang kepada pembangunan kerangka teori baharu dalam arkeologi industri maritim dan menyediakan asas saintifik untuk pengurusan warisan KASB sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia UNESCO pada masa hadapan. Implikasi praktikal termasuk cadangan dasar pemuliharaan berasaskan bukti, pembangunan produk pelancongan warisan yang autentik dan strategi penglibatan komuniti yang mampan. Kajian ini membuktikan bahawa pendekatan transdisiplin yang mengintegrasikan sains arkeologi, sejarah maritim dan pengurusan warisan adalah penting untuk memahami tamadun purba secara holistik dan memastikan warisan arkeologi diurus secara bertanggungjawab untuk generasi akan datang.

ABSTRACT

The Sungai Batu Archaeological Complex (SBAC) in the Bujang Valley, Kedah, has been recognised as the earliest iron industry and trade centre in Southeast Asia since the 6th century BCE. Although previous studies have produced important findings through scientific analysis and archaeological excavations, there is a significant gap in integrating this multi-method data for comprehensive socio-economic reconstruction and holistic heritage management. This study aims to develop an integrated methodological framework that combines archaeological excavation data, scientific analysis and absolute chronology to reconstruct the maritime economic network, social organisation and metallurgical technology of the ancient Kedah kingdom. The study methodology involves secondary analysis of 24 scientific publications (2021-2026) and synthesis of archaeometric data from 17 iron smelting sites, 11 river jetties, 18 port management complexes and one Buddhist ritual and monument complex. This study contributes to the development of a new theoretical framework in maritime industrial archaeology and provides a scientific basis for the future management of the SBAC heritage as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Practical implications include evidence-based conservation policy recommendations, development of authentic heritage tourism products and sustainable community engagement strategies. This study proves that a transdisciplinary approach that integrates archaeological science, maritime history and heritage management is essential to understand ancient civilisations holistically and ensure that archaeological heritage is managed responsibly for future generations.

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