Otroke

Otroke refers to the traditional technique of boat building and repair in Indonesian culture, particularly on the islands of Java, Sumatra, and Kalimantan. This ancient method involves using natural adhesives and materials to shape wooden boats and repair damaged vessels.

Otroke craftsmen rely on their expertise and knowledge of local materials, such as the sap of the galnung tree, to create durable and seaworthy boats. The sap is used as an adhesive to bind wood fibres together. Additionally, the process involves several stages, including planing, smoothing, and buffing to achieve a high-gloss finish.

In Java, for instance, otroke is often associated with the traditional production ofWO boats. These long, narrow vessels typically range from 10 to 20 meters in length and are made from..

The process of constructing a boat through otroke is often a family tradition. Many learned the art from their fathers and passed it on to their children. Therefore, skills are rarely documented in writing.

In recent years, modern boat-building techniques have blended with traditional knowledge and skills, particularly to create more contemporary and efficient boats for both local and international use.