Where is Phinisi Nusantara?

Where is Phinisi Nusantara?

From Media Indonesia

Two Phinisi boats typical of South Sulawesi were exhibited at the Maritime Transportation Expo in Vancouver, Canada, in 1986. One was the Phinisi Antarbangsa, built at the School of Technology, Hasanuddin University, by craftsmen from Tana Beru. A demonstration of its construction was also held at the expo, before then Admiral Sudomo handed over the boat, which was put on display at Vancouver's Maritime Museum.

The other was Phinisi Nusantara, which was also traditionally built under the direction of Haji Damang. It was equipped with an engine and navigation instruments for sailing to Vancouver across the Pacific Ocean in 69 days. In 1987, this boat was transported home aboard a cargo vessel from the United States to Jakarta.

Sadly, however, the second boat so highly important to national history was later used for the commercial transport of tourists between Tanjung Priok, Jakarta and the Thousand Islands (Kepuluan Seribu), instead of being kept at a maritime museum or displayed at Taman Mini Indonesia park.

At present, I have no idea of the fate of this boat. I was directly involved in its construction for its voyage to Vancouver, in cooperation with Haji Damang. I would like to appeal to Admiral (ret.) Sudomo to make the right decision on Phinisi Nusantara for the sake of national history.

SOELARTO H., Jakarta