Look closely at Pedra Blanca. It is more than just a rock. It is a story etched in granite and sea spray. This island is located 24 nautical miles east of Singapore. It marks the eastern entrance of the Singapore Strait.
For centuries Pedra Blanca has been a silent observer. Ships from all nations have passed it. The island’s name “Pedra Branca” means “white rock” in Portuguese. “Batu Puteh” is Malay for “white rock”. Chinese sailors called it “Bai Jiao”, also meaning “white rock”. This name warned of dangerous waters.
Imagine sailors of old. They strained to see Pedra Blanca through the mist. Many ships were lost here. Johann Van Linschoten noted in 1583 that ships risked much passing this “Pedra Bianque”.
The British understood the danger. They began building Horsburgh Lighthouse in 1847. It was completed in 1851. This lighthouse was Singapore’s first. It honored James Horsburgh. His charts saved countless ships. Granite came from Pulau Ubin for the lighthouse’s construction.
Consider the lighthouse keepers. They lived on this remote outpost. Their dedication ensured the light never failed. In 1948 a building was constructed around the base of the lighthouse. It provided living quarters for the crew.
Much has changed on Pedra Blanca. A radio beacon was added in 1962. An electric light replaced kerosene in 1966. A military rebroadcast station came in 1977. A radar tower joined in 1989. A helipad was added in 1992.
Pedra Blanca became a point of contention. Malaysia claimed the island in 1979. Singapore protested in 1980. The dispute went to the International Court of Justice.
Singapore argued Pedra Branca was terra nullius. It belonged to no one before the British. Britain took possession to build the lighthouse. Singapore inherited this claim. In 1953 Johor stated it did not own the island.
The ICJ ruled in 2008. Pedra Branca belonged to Singapore. Middle Rocks belonged to Malaysia. South Ledge belonged to the state in whose waters it was located.
After the ruling Singapore and Malaysia formed a joint committee. This committee was formed to implement the ICJ’s Judgment. They would delimit maritime boundaries.
Today Pedra Blanca stands as a testament. It shows the importance of navigation. It shows the resolution of international disputes. The island remains off limits to the public. It guards the Singapore Strait. It is a white rock. It is a beacon of history.