A research by Dhani Irwanto since 2015 Explore the research

The Land of Punt has long stood as one of history’s enduring mysteries. Ancient Egyptian inscriptions speak of a distant, exotic land—rich in gold, incense, precious woods, and rare animals—referred to as “Ta Netjer,” the land of the gods, or the land of origin. For centuries, the true location of Punt has been debated by scholars, with hypotheses ranging from Africa to Arabia and beyond. Yet, none have fully accounted for the rich detail preserved in the records of Egypt’s trade expeditions.

This presentation, the culmination of years of independent research, re-examines the evidence for Punt’s location through an interdisciplinary approach. By carefully analyzing historical texts, archaeological findings, botanical and zoological records, and living cultural traditions, I argue that the Land of Punt is best identified not in Africa, but on the island of Sumatra and its surrounding regions in Indonesia.

Key evidence—including the flora and fauna described by the Egyptians, the products traded, the architectural styles, and the physical features of Punt’s people—find their closest parallels in Sumatra’s unique environment and ancient cultures. Ancient Sumatran ports such as Bengkulu, Barus, and Pinangsori emerge as strong candidates for Punt’s legendary harbors.

By bringing together linguistic, historical, and ethnographic perspectives, this presentation invites you to reconsider the origins of the Land of Punt and, in doing so, explore new connections between the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Southeast Asia.

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