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side of the boat. Such maneuvers are especially
significant when sailing in open seas, where wind
directions frequently change, and the phinisi must be
able to adapt to maintain forward momentum. It is
important to note that the phinisi sailors rely heavily
on natural cues in addition to modern navigational
aids like compasses and maps. Traditional sailors have
long utilized the sun, sea color, wind, and wave
patterns for safe passage, a practice well-documented
in studies on indigenous maritime systems [17]. For
instance, the color of the sea is used to determine
depth, with black waters indicating depths greater
than 500 meters, blue signalling moderate depths (30–
500 meters), and gray suggesting shallow waters (<30
meters).
Moreover, phinisi sailors categorize currents and
waves into three types: (1) Small Currents and Waves
that occur during the transitional seasons between
monsoons; (2) Medium Currents and Waves that arise
2–5 days after strong winds begin; and (3) Large
Currents and Waves, also known as Arus dan Ombak
Tua, which are most dangerous during the western and
eastern monsoon seasons [5]. Similarly, wind patterns
are classified into three types based on their impact on
navigation: (1) Normal Winds (Angin Biasa), which
pose no threat; (2) Moderate Winds (Angin Tengah),
which create slightly darker patches on the sea surface;
and (3) Dangerous Winds (Angin Berbahaya), which
appear as fog-like conditions on the water’s surface
before striking [6].
At night, traditional navigators rely on stars,
lightning, sounds, and smells to guide their voyage.
Stars such as Bintang Babi (7:00 PM) indicate west,
while Bintang Besar (4:00 AM) signals east. Lightning
provides additional navigation cues, with vertical
strikes suggesting the presence of a large island, while
horizontal lightning indicates smaller islands or reefs
[17]. Sounds like the swishing of water or the “tak-tak-
tak” of coral under the boat are also vital indicators of
proximity to land or shallow waters, requiring
immediate course adjustments to avoid danger [3].
Unlike modern ships that rely on advanced
technology such as GPS, satellite navigation, and radar
systems, phinisi sailors depend on these ancient
knowledge systems, which have been passed down
through generations and are invaluable for navigating
Indonesia’s complex maritime landscape [3], [5]. The
resilience and precision of these indigenous techniques
have garnered academic interest, highlighting their
relevance even in the era of modern navigation.
3.3 Post-Sailing Phase
After approximately nine months of sailing each year,
the sailors return to their homeland, Tanjung Bira, to
reunite with their families and rest their boats for a
period of about three to four months. This period is
crucial for both the physical restoration of the boats
and the social lives of the sailors and their families.
− Resting and Maintaining the Boats
Upon returning from their long voyages, the phinisi
boats are typically beached along the coastline,
where they are positioned on wooden stands to
prevent them from touching the seawater. During
field interviews with the local boatbuilders, it was
noted that this practice, called sanggah perahu, is
essential to allow the wood to dry and prevent
further deterioration from constant exposure to
moisture. Additionally, roofs made of palm leaves
or tarpaulins are placed over the boats to shield
them from sunlight and rain, both of which can
accelerate the decay of the boat’s structure.
According to one senior boatbuilder, Pak Ridwan,
who has been repairing phinisi boats for over 40
years, “We have seen boats last for more than 30
years because of these practices. Without properly
resting the boats during the off-season, the wood
would rot much faster, and repairs would be
costly.” Research supports the importance of dry-
docking practices in extending the lifespan of
wooden vessels, as moisture and prolonged sun
exposure are leading causes of structural damage in
traditional boats.
− Pre-Departure Renovation and Repairs
One month before the next sailing season,
significant repairs and maintenance are carried out
on the boats. The primary focus is on renovating the
hull and ensuring that the boat remains waterproof.
According to field observations, this process
involves replacing damaged or rotten wooden
planks with new ones, repainting the hull to seal
any cracks, and replacing essential components
such as ropes and sails. Sail replacement is
particularly important, as both the size and material
of the sails directly impact the boat’s speed and
manoeuvrability. Interviews with sailors revealed
that they prefer using thicker cloth sails for longer
voyages, as these are more durable in harsh weather
conditions.
Pak Yusuf, a master sailor from Tanjung Bira,
explained, “Before each new season, we always
inspect every part of the boat, especially the hull
and sails. Any weak part could mean disaster at
sea.” This meticulous approach to boat preparation
aligns with the findings of maritime studies, which
emphasize the role of preventive maintenance in
ensuring the safety and longevity of seafaring
vessels. Sailors often reported that the preparation
phase could take up to a month, depending on the
extent of repairs required. Younger members of the
community assist in these repairs, learning the craft
from their elders as part of the intergenerational
transmission of maritime knowledge.
− Social and Cultural Activities
While the boats are being rested and repaired, the
sailors and their families engage in significant social
and cultural activities. During field observations, it
was noted that many sailors used this time to
renovate their homes. Local materials such as
bamboo, palm leaves, and timber are used to repair
or extend their houses, often with the help of
neighbours in a communal effort known as gotong
royong. Additionally, the post-sailing period is
commonly referred to as the “wedding season” in
Tanjung Bira. Interviews with local families
revealed that weddings are strategically planned
during this time to coincide with the sailors' return,
allowing for large family gatherings.
During one such ceremony observed in November
2023, over 200 guests from neighbouring villages
attended the wedding of a sailor’s daughter. The
ceremony reflected the close-knit nature of the
community, where marriages between families help
to solidify kinship ties. As explained by Pak