Muna, July 12 -- The Ministry of Culture has designated the Liangkabori and Liang Metanduno caves, which hold the world's oldest cave painting, in Muna Island, Muna District, Southeast Sulawesi, as national heritage.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon on Sunday confirmed that the caves' new status was sealed during the plenary meeting of the cultural heritage expert team last week, and it will be announced to the public in early August.

He stated that Liang Metanduno received global attention following the publication of research on the cave's painting, conducted in collaboration with Australia's Griffith University and Indonesia's Cultural Preservation Office, in January 2026.

"The research outcome has been recognized by the Guinness Book ...