Page 113 - Diving Indonesia 21 November 2019

Traditional Indonesian Boats
TRADITIONAL

INDONESIAN BOATS

construction of the early phinisis which Whilst the hulls, keels and general body of
were hand built using traditional methods the phinisi vessels has not been changed
that have been passed down from their interior layouts have been adapted
generation to generation. In modern times substantially for liveaboard purposes.
the construction methods have changed Traditionally these vessels were left as
very little and still include choosing the bare as possible in order to maximize
right trees and timbers for each part of the available space for cargo. Modern
the vessel and numerous ceremonies and liveaboard phinisis however have been
rituals at the beginning and completion of transformed to include guest cabins, dive
each stage of the process. decks, lounges, crew quarters, galleys and
even sun loungers and relaxation areas on
Historically teak wood was used for deck. Most modern liveaboards are also
building phinisi vessels but it is now designed to reduce engine and generator
difficult to source and is poorly thought of noise in the cabins ensuring a good night’s
by modern builders so other Indonesian sleep.
hard woods are used – the most popular
of which is iron wood sourced from Depending on where you are diving in
here are several “traditional” often used by fishermen and commonly Kalimantan which is hard wearing albeit the archipelago you will find a number of
Indonesian boats which originate have only one outrigger. heavy. Bangkirai, another tropical wood, different styles of dive boats which vary
Tfrom different regions of Indonesia. is used for planking and deck structures. according to the distances they need to
Some of the most famous include the Some jukungs have been converted to Timbers are joined together with wooden travel to dive sites, the number of people
traditional “jukungs” which are commonly diving boats – such as the famous Big nails which are almost like small pegs. they carry and the most common sea
seen around Bali and of course the iconic Boat operated by Nusa Lembongan in conditions that they will encounter along
“phinisi” schooners. Nusa Lembongan, in other areas they are In todays times, Phinisi vessels make he way.
still used on a daily basis for cargo and excellent liveaboard vessels, they vary in
Jukungs are a relatively long yet narrow, passenger transport. size but the largest, which tend to be the Most modern day dive and snorkeling
wooden vessel with a relatively flat most luxurious, are 40 meters long and boats make up for in practically and speed
bottom. They are the true workhorses The Indonesian phinisi schooner up to 10 meters wide - smaller phinisis what they lack in charm when compared
of the Indonesian seas and are used for is possibly the most iconic style of can be anything from 20 meters long to traditional boats. Fiberglass is now the
lugging everything from heavy cargo Indonesian ship and one which resembles but these are rarer to find. The shape most commonly used material in dive
such as cement, sand and rocks through an ancient pirate ship. of the vessel makes it a smooth sailing boat construction in Indonesia. Fiberglass
to people, motorbike and animals! boat which is capable of covering long has many advantages including price,
Jukung’s are easy to identify by their two Phinisi (or pinisi) are two masted, timber distances. Whilst almost all phinisi style strength and ease of carrying out repairs.
“outriggers” which are traditionally made built sailing ships which were, and still are, liveaboards have full sailing rigs they are The modern dive boats are fitted with
from bamboo and provide the vessel used by the Buginese and Makassarese now also equipped with engines which outboard engines, but beware that rides
with additional stability in the water. The for fishing and cargo transportation means that they can sail into currents can be bumpy, especially on the faster
outriggers resemble two arms which around the Indonesian archipelago. and wind and, for the most part, maintain small boats.
protrude from each side of the vessel. It was the Konjo people from South schedules regardless of weather and sea
Smaller versions, which are more like Sulawesi who are thought to have had the conditions.
canoes and carry just one person, are most influential roles in the design and

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