Indeed, standing before us is not just a ship but a symbol of Indonesian maritime heritage the Kapal Pinisi. What stories could this magnificent vessel tell if it could speak?
The term Pinisi refers to a specific type of sailing rig. It describes the masts sails and rope configurations found on Indonesian sailing ships. A Kapal Pinisi has seven to eight sails. These sails are supported by two masts. They are arranged in a gaff-ketch style. This means the main sails are pulled out like curtains. This differs from Western ships where sails are raised by pulling the gaff upwards.
Interestingly the term Pinisi only refers to the sail system. It does not describe the hull shape. The hulls for Kapal Pinisi are mostly constructed in the village of Ara. This village is in the Bontobahari district of Bulukumba Regency in South Sulawesi. Bontobahari comes from the Makassar language. Bonto means highlands. Bahari means maritime. These ships are widely used by Makassar sailors as cargo ships.
Before motorization in the 1970s and 80s Kapal Pinisi were the largest Indonesian sailing vessels. UNESCO recognized the art of Pinisi shipbuilding. It was designated as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Human Heritage on December 7 2017.
Local tradition says the name Pinisi was given by a King of Tallo I Mangnginyarrang Daéng Makkio. He named his boat Pinisi. The name comes from two words. Picuru means a good example. Binisi is a small fish. This fish is agile and tough on the water’s surface and unaffected by currents and waves.
The name might also come from the German and French word pinasse. This word refers to a mid-sized sailing vessel. The word was adopted into Malay as pinas after 1846.
Kapal Pinisi have hulls of different types. Palari is an early hull form. It has a curved keel and is smaller than the Lamba type. It is usually steered with two side rudders at the stern. Modern Pinisi often use the Lamba or Lambo hull. These modern versions often include a diesel engine. This type uses a single central rudder.
Legend says Kapal Pinisi existed in the 14th century. This is linked to the Sureq Lagaligo manuscript which tells the story of Sawerigading. But this claim is false. Research has disproven it.
Sulawesi sailors began combining large rectangular tanjaq sails with fore-and-aft sails in the 19th century. They saw these on European ships in the archipelago. The VOC started building European-style ships in Javanese shipyards in the early 18th century. This introduced new construction methods and rigs.
The original Kapal Pinisi of Sulawesi was built around 1906. It was constructed by boat builders from Ara and Lemo-Lemo. They built the first Pinisi for a Bira captain.
Traditional boat makers pass down maritime traditions through generations. Ritual ceremonies mark the boat-making process. The best days to find wood are the fifth and seventh of the month. The number 5 symbolizes readily available sustenance. The number 7 means always receiving sustenance. Before felling a tree a ceremony is held. This ceremony is to expel the tree’s resident spirit. A chicken is sacrificed as an offering.
The Kapal Pinisi is more than just a vessel. It is a floating testament to the skill ingenuity and cultural richness of Indonesia. Its legacy sails on.