Phinisi as Living Maritime Heritage: Integration of Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Tourism in Tana Beru, South Sulawesi

Abstract

Phinisi is a traditional sailing vessel and a living maritime heritage associated with the boatbuilding communities of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Its growing use in tourism creates opportunities to communicate maritime knowledge and support livelihoods, while also raising questions about cultural authenticity, community participation, and the continuity of traditional skills. This qualitative case study examines how Phinisi is maintained as living heritage and how its use in tourism intersects with cultural preservation and sustainable tourism in Tana Beru. The research use in-depth semi-structured interviews with boatbuilders, cultural practitioners, Phinisi owners and managers, a tour guide, boat crews, local residents, and tourists, supported by field observations and document review. There are 18 informants were selected purposively based on their direct knowledge of boatbuilding, heritage practices, or Phinisi-related tourism. Data were interpreted thematically by coding statements about heritage knowledge, transmission, tourism adaptation, community roles, authenticity, and sustainability, and comparing patterns across sources. The evidence presented most clearly supports three findings: Phinisi is valued through both the vessel and the knowledge and customs involved in its construction; tourism has shifted some uses of Phinisi toward experiential and cultural tourism; and community members contribute to heritage practices as well as tourism services.

Keywords: Phinisi, living maritime heritage, cultural preservation, sustainable tourism, community participations