Documenting Tantric Vestiges of the Siṅhasāri Period Across East Java

Andrea Acri1*, Hedwi Prihatmoko1,2, and Garin Pharmasetiawan2

This paper presents the results of a fieldtrip carried out by a team of Indonesian researchers of the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (BRIN), Archaeometry section, coordinated by Andrea Acri, across East Java in 2025. By surveying little-studied remains—especially colossal statues—bearing witness to Kṛtanagara’s allegiance to tantric Buddhism and tantric Śaivism, it will cast light on our knowledge of the impact of this king on the art and religion of Java and beyond in the 13th century and its aftermath in 14th-century Majapahit. A visit to the Bhagawanta Bari Museum in Kediri highlighted a previously undescribed fragment of a large statue with vajra ornaments, which displays an unmistakably Singhasari artistic style. A stonery workshop nearby Trawas, on the slopes of Mount Penanggungan, displays stone artefacts that, judging by their exceptionally large size, and also by the fact that it is located nearby known colossal (unfinished) statues and artefacts attributed to Kṛtanagara, could have been sponsored by the same king. The unfinished statue of Reco Lanang, presumably portraying Akṣobhya, is also attributable to the Singhasari period, whereas the massive statue in an upside-down position called Reco Wadon could be later. The team documented a gigantic statue and another stone block of massive size located in the Keboireng village, Tulungagung, and a number of impressive statues of buddhas kept at the Museum Tulungagung. On the basis of their size, quality of craftmanship, and stylistic features, these statues are probably the result of Kṛtanagara’s sponsorship.