This Year, Pinisi XV Festival Promises a More Festive Experience

That morning, Bulukumba's sky wasn't fully bright yet when a group of people appeared busy at PPI Bonto Bahari Pier. Among the wooden poles and taut ropes, stood majestically a Pinisi, a traditional ship that has long been the pride of the land of “Buta Panrita Lopi”, the realm of legendary shipbuilders.

Not merely a boat, the Pinisi for the people of Bulukumba is a symbol of life, maritime spirit, and the breath of pride inherited from generation to generation. 

Now, the ship sails again, not for trade or long voyages across the ocean, but for a sailing trial ahead of the grand event of the XV Pinisi Festival, part of the Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) agenda by the Ministry of Tourism.

“This activity is part of the preparation for the XV Pinisi Festival to be held on October 25-26, 2025,” said Ferryawan Z Fahmi, Head of the Tourism, Youth, and Sports Office of Bulukumba Regency, in Makassar, Thursday, October 23, 2025.

Ferryawan and his team conducted the sailing trial from PPI Bonto Bahari Pier to Kolam Labu Pier at Merpati Beach. 

The distance isn't far, but its meaning is significant, ensuring this traditional ship is ready to dance on the ocean to welcome the thousands of eyes coming to witness the XV Pinisi Festival.

According to Ferryawan, this trial isn't just a technical ritual, but a form of respect for the deeply rooted tradition in the soul of Bulukumba's coastal community.

“The Sailing Pinisi is our proud icon; with this trial we ensure all aspects of sailing safety and comfort are ready to welcome guests and tourists,” he said.

Since UNESCO recognized Pinisi shipbuilding technology as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Bulukumba's name has become increasingly known on the international maritime tourism map. 

The Pinisi Festival is how the local community revitalizes that heritage. Not only through ships, but also through stories, dance, music, and collective work involving all societal layers.

This year, the XV Pinisi Festival promises a more vibrant experience. There will be a Pinisi ship parade, decorated boat contest, traditional art performances, and a creative economy exhibition of the coastal community. All are designed to showcase Bulukumba's friendly, creative face that remains rooted in the sea.

“Through this activity, the Bulukumba Regency Government targets increased tourist visits while strengthening the region's identity as the maritime cultural center of South Sulawesi,” said Ferryawan.

For the people of Bulukumba, every Pinisi voyage isn't merely a sea journey, but a declaration of love for their culture. Every unfurled sail is a prayer that this heritage won't just reside in museums, but will keep living in the hearts of future generations.(Antara)