“Indonesia is known as an archipelagic country with a strong maritime tradition. One of the symbols of the greatness of maritime culture is the Phonisi Boat, a traditional sailing ship originating from South Sulawesi. More than just a means of sea transportation, phinisi represents local wisdom, hereditary skills, and the philosophy of life of coastal communities that are integrated with nature. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage, the art of making the Pinisi Boat is an important attraction in Indonesia's cultural and heritage tourism. This tradition not only enriches national identity, but also opens up meaningful travel experiences for solo travelers, trips with friends, and family tours.”

“Five interesting facts about Indonesian traditional pinisi”

1. Built Without Formal Blueprints Phinisi was not built on detailed architectural plans. Expert shipbuilders rely on knowledge, proportions, and experience passed down from generation to generation to shape ships. The shape and structure of the hull are often determined by the eye and tradition rather than computer design, thus making each boat unique.

2. The hull comes before the frame Unlike most methods of shipbuilding in the West, where the frame is made first, traditional Indonesian boats often follow the "board first" technique. The outer hull board is installed early, and the frame is installed later to reinforce its shape. This is one of the most distinctive aspects of Sulawesi boatbuilding.

3. A boat is considered "alive" In the Bugis and Konjo maritime cultures, boats are not just objects but something that is almost alive. Important steps in construction—such as the laying of the keel—are accompanied by customary ceremonies and offerings that call for protection and safety of travel.

4. The name "Phinisi" refers to the Rig, not the Hull In fact, "phinis" originally referred to a two-masted sailing ship, not the hull itself. The hull design belongs to a type of traditional Indonesian ship called "palari". Over time, the term pinisi emerged to describe the entire ship. 5. Fully handcrafted Most pinisi ships are still made using simple hand tools, without heavy industrial machinery. The shipbuilders formed large blocks of hardwood and planks with their eyes and hands, using skills passed down from generation to generation of artisans in South Sulawesi.