Experts Identify Threats to West Sumatra's Maritime Heritage Sites

A collaborative research effort has pinpointed various threats endangering two significant maritime heritage sites in Pesisir Selatan, West Sumatra. The findings from this study, involving national research bodies, universities, and local government, will form the basis for scientifically informed strategies to protect Indonesia's rich maritime cultural legacy.

The two sites under scrutiny are the VOC Fort and Old Pier on Cingkuak Island, and the M.V. Boelongan shipwreck. Cingkuak Island, a small island near Painan, hosts the remnants of a Dutch East India Company (VOC) fort and an ancient pier, representing a historical land-based port and fortification. It was once the site of the VOC's first trading post on Sumatra's west coast. The M.V. Boelongan shipwreck, located underwater in Teluk Mandeh, offers a complementary underwater heritage, with potential for development into a Marine Eco Archaeological Park.

Researchers emphasize that these sites hold immense historical, archaeological, and environmental value. Ira Dillenia, a researcher from BRIN's Center for Research on Archeology, Environment, Maritime, and Sustainable Culture, stated that without inclusive and sustainable management, not only the physical remains but also the historical knowledge embedded within them are at risk. The loss of these sites would diminish opportunities to understand Indonesia's maritime trade and navigation dynamics.

“

If not managed inclusively and sustainably, what is threatened is not only the physical remains, but also the knowledge of Indonesian maritime history contained within them.