Indonesia’s Largest Traditional Ship Replica Docks in Manila

Manila, 22 Sya’ban 1437/30 May 2016 (MINA) – A replica of a 13th century Indonesian vessel docked on Sunday noon at Manila Bay for a three-day stopover before setting sail in a historical cruise to Japan.

The Indonesian Embassy in Manila, together with its Ambassador Johny Lumintang, welcomed the traditional ship replica, called the Spirit of Majapahit, as it arrived at the Manila Yacht Club at around 12:30 p.m.

The expedition embarked its journey from Jakarta, Indonesia earlier this month and sailed through Brunei Darussalam before reaching Philippines, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) reported, quoting mb.com.ph.

Following a similar route which sailed across Southeast Asia in the 13th century, the vessel will continue its journey to Taiwan before reaching its final destination in Tokyo, Japan.

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Indonesian Embassy’s First Secretary Basriana Basrul told the Philippines News Agency that this historical cruise is meant to promote and enhance Indonesia’s maritime culture, which was at its peak during the Majapahit Kingdom.

“When they stop over to other countries during their journey to Japan, we try to promote (our maritime culture) to other countries like here in the Philippines. We also show that as a maritime country, Indonesia has a very long history about its maritime which is reflected in the brave Spirit of Majapahit,” said Basrul.

The Spirit of Majapahit, built in 2009 by the famous boatmen of Madura, is considered as Indonesia’s largest ship, which measures 20 meters in length, 4.5 meters in width, and 2 meters in height.

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It is made from old and dry teak wood, petung bamboo, and Sumenep–a type of wood found in East Java.

Although the ship is a replica, it is installed with the state-of-the-art navigation equipment, that includes Global Positioning System, Nav-Tex and marine radar.

The Spirit of Majapahit has embarked on an expedition in 2010 and 2011. And this year, it has once again set its sail to cross the borders of Asia as part of Indonesia’s efforts to preserve the history of the once-powerful Majapahit Empire and promote Indonesia’s maritime culture.

The expedition is expected to reach Japan in July with a total of 50 days of historical cruise. (T/R07/R01/R04)

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Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)