"The team discovered an important finding suggesting that Islam arrived earlier than previously believed, possibly as early as the 7th or 8th century, around the early period of Islam’s emergence. "Seven centuries is no short period and there were many such sites founded. "In the world of research, debate is not an issue; provided it is grounded in evidence," he said.By refining the data collection, preserving artifacts, and verifying the missing pieces of early Islamic civilisation's history, Yogaswara noted BRIN plans to facilitate the large-scale research along the west coast of Sumatra. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen the field of archaeology itself, particularly research related to Islamic civilisation," Yogaswara conveyed. Translator: Sean Filo M, Resinta SulistiyandariEditor: Fransiska NindityaCopyright © ANTARA 2026