REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BATURAJA -- DNA samples from fossilized human skeletons from the prehistoric age found in Harimau (Tiger) Cave, Padang Bindu Village of Ogan Komering Ulu District in South Sumatra, will be compared with those of the modern man.

Several months ago, researchers had found 76 skeletons in Harimau Cave, all belonging to the prehistoric era.

The researchers are yet to collect blood samples from the people of Padang Bindu Village to compare these with the DNA of the prehistoric fossils.

Aufa Sarkomi, the Chief of the Tourism, Cultural, Sport and Youth Office of Ogan Komering Ulu, said here on Sunday that blood or DNA comparison was needed to understand the similarities between prehistoric and modern man, and also trace the lineage between them and the people living in the area at present.

Even though the office has planned to collect blood samples of the local residents, there have been no recent follow ups by the researchers regarding the test.

According to latest updates from the researchers, they will collect samples of blood from local residents after the DNA test results from the fossilized skeletons become available. These skeletons are said to be thousands of years old.

"We are still awaiting the results of the DNA tests of the skeletons," Sarkomi stated.

He added, "There were many researchers and archaeologists from countries such as Japan, Australia and others who participated in exploring the cave."

The DNA tests of the skeletal remains are being carried out in coordination with the Eijkman Institute of Molecular Biology in Jakarta.

According to national archaeologists, who participated in exploring Harimau Cave, the DNA analysis will provide answers to theories related to the genealogy of Indonesians.

Earlier, the archaeologists had found the skeletal remains of a woman and children---presumed to be a mother and her children---buried in the cave.

Moreover, the researchers predicted that the remains found in the cave could be those of two different races--- Austronesia and Austromelanesid.

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