H. Abdullah: The Legendary Phinisi Shipbuilder from Bulukumba
- Greatchemindo Satria Putramas
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
Bulukumba, a regency in South Sulawesi, has long been renowned as the "Bumi Panrita Lopi," or the land of master boat builders. Along its beautiful coastlines, the tradition of building Phinisi ships—recognized by UNESCO as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage—continues to thrive. One of the central figures preserving and advancing this tradition is Haji Abdullah, a legendary shipbuilder who has successfully blended local wisdom with a modern touch.
A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
Haji Abdullah began his shipyard business in 1999. Unlike many traditional craftsmen who rely solely on instinct and experience without blueprints, H. Abdullah introduced innovation to the craft.
To attract the international market and meet modern standards, he applies a system of 50% traditional techniques and 50% modern techniques. For the interior design and spatial layout, he uses detailed sketches and technical drawings tailored to the client’s desires. This approach ensures precision and comfort without losing the unique characteristics of the Phinisi.
Uncompromising Quality
In his interview, H. Abdullah emphasized that the quality of raw materials is the key to his reputation. He is highly selective in choosing timber, primarily using Ironwood (Kayu Besi) and Bitti Wood. He firmly rejects requests from customers who want lower prices by mixing in inferior types of wood.
"If a ship is expensive but fair, that is normal. But if someone asks for a cheap price with low quality, I won't do it. I don't want a ship to break down before it has even started making money," he stated firmly.
Beyond the timber, he is equally meticulous about supporting materials, such as adhesives. He only uses products that have been field-tested for decades to ensure the ship's construction remains durable and long-lasting.
World-Class Craftsmanship
H. Abdullah’s dedication to quality has earned him the trust of various clients, both domestic and international. His shipyard has fulfilled orders from Australia to France.
One of his most notable achievements was catching the attention of Indonesian national figure, Jusuf Kalla (JK). It began with a ship named "Ali Kai," built for the Governor of Bali. Mr. JK, who was invited to an event on board the vessel, was deeply impressed by the craftsmanship. This led Mr. JK to commission his own private Phinisi from H. Abdullah, named "Malayeka" (Angel), which currently operates in Labuan Bajo.
Preserving Ancestral Heritage
Despite his success and high-profile clientele, H. Abdullah remains committed to empowering the local community. The workers in his shipyard are local residents who possess skills passed down through generations. For H. Abdullah, shipbuilding is not merely a business—it is a work of art and a testament that the skilled hands of Bulukumba can produce world-class masterpieces.
Video Source: To watch the interview and the shipbuilding process at H. Abdullah’s shipyard, you can view the video here: