Pinisi

Pinisi is a traditional Indonesian sailing vessel built primarily by the Bugis and Makassar people of South Sulawesi. The term is often used to describe two-masted wooden ships that have long been employed for inter-island trade and transportation across the Indonesian archipelago. Pinisi ships are commonly associated with shipyards along the south coast of Sulawesi, especially in Bulukumba, where skilled craftsmen have preserved the construction methods passed down through generations.

Construction and design

Pinisi are handmade wooden vessels built with traditional techniques. The hulls are typically long and slender, fashioned from hardwoods such as ironwood or teak, and joined with mortise-and-tenon joints and lashings. They are generally rigged as two-masted schooners, with sails and rigging adapted to regional winds and voyages. The sails were historically canvas and could be configured for various sea conditions, making the ships versatile for long-distance travel between islands.

History and use

Pinisi emerged as practical workhorses of Indonesian maritime trade from the early modern period onward, carrying cargo, passengers, and local goods between Sulawesi and other islands. They operated throughout the Indonesian archipelago, and over time some ships were motorized or repurposed for passenger service. Despite modernization, the craft remained a symbol of Bugis seafaring culture and regional craftsmanship.

Modern role

Today, many pinisi ships are used as tourist vessels or live-aboard dive boats in Indonesia, particularly around Komodo National Park and other parts of eastern Indonesia. The continued construction of pinisi in traditional shipyards helps preserve a distinctive element of Indonesia’s maritime heritage while supporting local communities through tourism and cultural preservation.