The American publisher of a study that made headlines by claiming an archaeological site in Indonesia may be the world’s “oldest pyramid” has retracted the study. The study, published in October 2023 in the journal Archaeological Prospection, suggested that the site, Gunung Padang, could have been sculpted by humans up to 27,000 years ago.
Critics of the study pointed out that the dating of the site was based on soil samples rather than artifacts, leading to the retraction by the journal’s American publisher, Wiley. The retraction notice stated that the study’s soil samples were not associated with any artifacts or features that could be reliably interpreted as man-made.
While some archaeologists welcomed the retraction, the study’s authors called it unjust, claiming that their soil samples did include man-made constructions or archaeological features. They urged the academic community to challenge the decision and uphold the principles of integrity and transparency in scientific research.
Supporters of the study, including journalist Graham Hancock, criticized the retraction, arguing that it stifles scientific debate. The Society for American Archaeology has also weighed in, stating that Hancock’s Netflix documentary series, which featured the research, contained false claims and disinformation.
Despite the controversy, people from Indonesia have long viewed Gunung Padang as a significant site for religious rituals. The site’s age and origins remain a topic of debate, with archaeologists calling for a re-examination of the study’s conclusions in light of the retraction.
In the end, the retraction serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous scientific research and the need for transparency in publishing controversial findings.
