How Wooden Boats Are Made in Indonesia: A Step-by-Step Look at a Living Tradition
How wooden boats are made in Indonesia reflects a deep cultural tradition where craftsmanship, community, and the sea meet. From the iconic Phinisi ships to smaller wooden vessels across the archipelago, these boats are built by hand, guided by generations of skill and ritual.
Let’s explore how these vessels are shaped from forest to ocean.
What Wood is Used for Boats in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, traditional boatbuilders use several types of durable, water-resistant hardwoods that can withstand tropical climates and sea conditions. The most commonly used woods include:
1. Ironwood (Ulin / Kayu Besi)
Extremely dense and rot-resistant, ironwood is perfect for keels and hulls. It’s commonly sourced from South Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua. Though difficult to cut, its underwater durability makes it highly valued.
2. Teak (Jati)
Teak contains natural oils that repel termites and moisture effectively. It’s widely used for decks and interiors, especially in Java. Modern boatbuilders often source it from sustainable plantations.
Read Also: Anatomy of a Phinisi Ship: Inside Indonesia’s Iconic Wooden Vessel
3. Bitti Wood (Kayu Bitti)
This native South Sulawesi wood is traditional in Phinisi construction. Lighter than ironwood, yet strong and flexible for frames and beams. It’s preferred for upper structures thanks to its easier workability.
4. Merbau (Kayu Merbau)
A dense hardwood known for resisting decay and marine pests. Often used for hull planks, especially in humid tropical waters. Its reddish tone also makes it visually striking.
5. Nyatoh or Other Local Hardwoods
Shipbuilders use a range of regional woods depending on tradition. Choices reflect boat function, spiritual beliefs, and local availability. This flexibility shows the deep integration of craft and ecology.
Step-by-Step: How Wooden Boats Are Made in Indonesia
The process of building a wooden boat in Indonesia blends precision craftsmanship, ancestral knowledge, and spiritual meaning. Here’s how it unfolds, step by step:
1. Selecting and Preparing the Wood
Local builders begin by choosing durable hardwoods like ironwood (ulin) or teak, known for their resistance to seawater and tropical weather.
- Timber is sourced sustainably when possible, often from nearby forests.
- Shipbuilders inspect each log by hand, guided by tradition and intuition.
- In some regions, cutting the first piece of wood is accompanied by a small ritual asking permission from nature.
2. Laying the Keel (Lunas)
The keel—called lunas in Bahasa Indonesia—is the ship’s central spine and the foundation of its balance.
- This is always the first part built, usually placed with ceremonial blessings.
- The rest of the vessel is constructed upward and outward from the keel, aligning the boat with both practical structure and spiritual grounding.
3. Building the Frame and Hull
Frames are set up to form the skeleton of the boat, giving it shape and strength.
- Unlike modern shipbuilding, most traditional boats are built without formal blueprints.
- Artisans use visual memory, measurement sticks, and body-based proportions.
- Wooden planks are secured using wooden dowels and joints—metal nails are rarely used.
4. Shaping and Smoothing the Body
With the structure in place, the boat is refined and waterproofed.
- Hand tools are used to sand, curve, and align the hull for seaworthiness.
- Builders apply natural oils or resins made from tree sap to protect the wood.
- In areas like South Sulawesi, you’ll also find ornamental carvings that reflect local identity and symbolism.
5. Constructing the Deck and Cabin
The deck and cabin space depend on the type of boat being built.
- Traditional fishing boats may keep things minimal, while Phinisi ships include cabins for passengers or tourists.
- These upper structures are usually added last, offering both function and comfort.
6. Installing the Masts and Sails
Boats like the Phinisi are known for their distinctive two-mast rigging, used to carry large triangular or gaff-rigged sails.
- Masts are hoisted into place with community help, requiring both muscle and coordination.
- Sails are stitched by hand, often from cotton or canvas, and attached using traditional knots.
7. Final Blessing and Launch
Before the boat touches water, a ceremonial launch takes place—a moment of pride for the builders and their community.
- Offerings may include rice, coconuts, incense, or chants from elders.
- It’s believed these rituals protect the vessel and its future voyages.
- The first sail is often a symbolic journey, blessed by the sea.
Read Also: 7 Types of Traditional Indonesian Boats You Can Still See Today
Tools and Materials Used in Traditional Boatbuilding
Traditional boatbuilding in Indonesia relies on manual craftsmanship, passed down through generations. Builders use time-tested tools and natural materials—many of which they make or adapt themselves.
Tools
- Axes and Adzes: Used for cutting, shaping, and smoothing large timber.
- Chisels and Gouges: Essential for precision work, especially on joints and carvings.
- Hand Drills: Used to bore holes for wooden dowels (not nails).
- Measuring Tools: Often handmade from bamboo or wood, based on body proportions.
- Rope-Twisting Tools: Used to create or mend natural fiber ropes.
In many coastal villages, these tools are handcrafted by the builders themselves, adjusted over time to fit the builder’s hand and method—making each tool as unique as the boat it helps create.
Materials
- Ironwood (Ulin), Teak, or Bitti Wood: Chosen for durability, flexibility, and seaworthiness.
- Natural Resin or Tree Sap: Used to seal and waterproof hulls, often mixed with ash or oil.
- Coconut Fiber or Cotton Rope: Used for lashing, rigging, and sails.
- Canvas or Cotton Cloth: Transformed into handmade sails for boats like the Phinisi.
These tools and materials don’t just shape the boat, they carry the fingerprints of tradition, blending human touch with environmental respect.
Where to See Wooden Boats Being Made in Indonesia?
Curious where to witness the art of traditional boatbuilding up close? Across Indonesia, some places still honor the age-old craft—welcoming Voyagers to watch, learn, and connect with maritime heritage in real time.
1. Tana Beru, Bulukumba – South Sulawesi
This village is Indonesia’s most iconic traditional shipyard, home of the Phinisi. Along its coast, builders shape massive boats entirely by hand—no blueprints needed.
Visitors can observe skilled craftsmanship passed down through generations. It’s a living heritage site, where every hammer strike tells a story.
2. Maritime Museums – Jakarta, Makassar, Ambon
Ideal for those who prefer a historical overview of seafaring life. These museums display models, maps, navigation tools, and ship replicas.
They also explain regional boat types and their cultural significance. Great for families, students, and first-time maritime explorers.
3. Riara Marine’s Shipyard – Bulukumba
Riara Marine offers an immersive look into active Phinisi construction. Voyagers can watch boats take shape and speak directly with local builders.
It’s more than sightseeing—it’s cultural preservation in progress. Hands-on, respectful, and rooted in centuries of Bugis tradition.
Read Also: The Timeless Elegance of the Indonesian Phinisi: Where Heritage Meets Luxury
Witness the Craft in Action at Riara Marine
If you want to truly understand how wooden boats are made in Indonesia, step into the shipyard—not just the story.
At Riara Marine in Bulukumba, Voyagers can witness Phinisi construction in real time, guided by the hands of master builders.
- Observe each stage of boatbuilding, from raw timber to ready-to-sail
- Learn about tools, materials, and rituals that shape every curve and sail
- Feel the spirit of tradition passed down through generations
This isn’t just craftsmanship—it’s cultural continuity. How wooden boats are made in Indonesia isn’t only a technique; it’s a living link between sea, soul, and story.
