The monograph of Harimau Cave and The Long Journey of OKU Civilization is like the fruit of archaeological research in OKU region by the National Archaeological Centre (Pusamas), that took place since 2007. Although earlier in the year 2001-2005 it had been conducted similar studies. in collaboration with foreign institution (Pusamas-lnstitut de Recherche pour le Developpement/IRD), only in 2009 a more intensive study conducted in one of the prehistoric dwelling caves as the primadona to this study, that is Harimau Cave. The cave does not only contain a very abundant wealth of archaeological remains, its walls also keep cave prehistoric art works formerly believed nothing in the region of Sumatra. Rock painting in Harimau Cave seemed to be a bonus for the research that was originally only intended to explore the potential of the dwelling caves in Padang Bindu. Departing from the experience of similar studies in the region, namely in karst areas, the research was accompanied by surveys in the rivers watershed as well as niche and other caves.

Harimau Cave became the focus of discussion in this monograph because the wealth and archaeological potentials contained therein enable a complete reconstruction, both from the aspect of cultural character, lifestyle and human adaptation, or chronology. The articles as well as some archaeological data contained in this monograph is based on research reports about OKU Roots of Civilization which has been prepared by the editors and contributors of the monograph in the last five years. This monograph has deliberately been prepared on parts (chapters) in which there are one or more scientific articles. This strategy is done so that the scientific information can be presented in a more concise and attractive, particularly for nonacademic circles. Archaeological data that have been through the stages of verification and in-depth analysis presented in this monograph to be used as a reference for researchers and academics. Each section begins with a description of the subject matter as well as some information as highlights. Meanwhile, the illustrations deliberately made as attractive as possible to be easily understood and pleasing.

It is true that richness remaining of Harimau Cave is very distinctive, but it is not the only one. Along with tens of other caves in the karst area of Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU), including river sites and other open sites with its remaining, all of them reserve invaluable record of the long journey of OKU civilization.