By dint of its geographical location, East Belitung became one of the significant points of the shipping routes in history. The location was strategic and always bypassed during the sailing from west to east or from north to south of Nusantara. The relationship of the shipping route from East Belitung reached the Middle East and even Europe. It has been proven by the discoveries of many archaeological maritime goods in East Belitung, and the Kingdom of Balok site is one example.

The Kingdom of Balok once ruled the East Belitung. Several discoveries of the sites in East Belitung became the historical trace of the kingdom’s domination. One of the latest discoveries was the bricks around the Balok River, estimated to be a building during the reign of the Kingdom of Balok.

How was the process of excavation conducted to find out deeper about the trace of Kingdom of Balok, and how does it link to the Spice Routes? Let’s find out on the Jalur Rempah RI YouTube channel!