Prahu, Sea and Maritim Identity on Luang Island Society, Maluku-Indonesia
Efilina Kissiya & Biczo Gabor

Department of History and Ethnology, Program Ethnography, Culture and Anthropology, Faculty of Humanity-University of Debrecen, Hungaria.
efilinakissiya12[at]gmail.com

History Education Program -Faculty Teacher and Training Education
Pattimura University, Maluku
efilinakissiya12[at]gmail.com

Abstract

This paper is a narrative of the results of field exploration on Luang Island which is one of the outermost small islands in Maluku, Indonesia. The purpose of this research is to record the relationship between the maritime culture of the Luang people and the technology used, especially sea transportation, namely boats. How is the existence and importance of boats in the daily life of the Luang people whose lives only depend on the sea. In addition, to explore the identity of the Luang people and their own view or concept of the sea.
This study used a qualitative method with an ethnographic approach. The technique used in data collection is through interviews, direct observation in the field and participatory observation and nonparticipatory observation. To analyze the data, we use data content analysis.
Boats play an important role in various aspects of the culture of Luang Island, according to the knowledge of the Luang people. Boats and the sea are inextricably linked in the lives of the people of Luang Island. For them, the sea is a garden, and the boat is home.
This is evident in how the people of Pulau Luang regard the sea as the centre of their existence. Therefore, the identity of the people of Luang Island as seafarers is demonstrated.
This paper contributes to maritime culture and maritime history in Indonesia as one of the archipelagic countries in the world.

Keywords: Prahu, Sea and Maritim Identity, Luang Island

Topic: Other Social Sciences and Humanities