A new study suggests that humans were living in southeastern Indonesia 42,000 years ago, providing new insights into the migration routes of the region’s earliest settlers. The findings of the study, led by Hendri Kaharudin, Ph.D., were conducted at the Australian National University (ANU). The Elivawan find, found in the Tanimbar Islands of Indonesia, is particularly notable for its impact on our understanding of early human migration routes.

“Tanimbar lies close to the ‘Sahul Shelf’, which includes modern Australia as well as New Guinea,” he said. “How our early ancestors got there from Southeast Asia is one of the most fascinating questions of prehistoric migration, driven primarily by the vast distances covered and the advanced seafaring skills required. Two main routes have been explored since the mid-20th century: a northern route via islands such as Sulawesi, and a southern route near Timor and the Tanimbar Islands. This discovery is one of the earliest known sites of the southern route, making it an important piece of the puzzle.”

Technological advances in early migration

Although questions about Elivawan’s early inhabitants remain unanswered, the risky nature of sea crossings suggests that colonists developed advanced marine technologies around 42,000 years ago, according to the researchers.

“Regardless of the direction of travel, they would have had to cross water bodies of more than 100 kilometres,” Mr Kaharudin said. “We found evidence, such as small pottery fragments, as well as bones, shells and sea urchins, that suggest the island was a centre of early maritime activity. I hope that as more work is done in less explored areas such as the Tanimbar Islands, we will learn more about early human life and migration patterns.”

Cultural and social impact

Mr Kaharudin said it was also clear that the colonisation of Sahul was not a single event but “a gradual process involving successive waves of marine populations”.

“Coastal communities likely sailed along coastlines, exploiting marine resources and establishing sustainable settlements along the way,” he said. “This island migration strategy facilitated cultural exchange and adaptation, creating distinct societies across the region.”