Boats used by the sailors in the spice trade played a crucial role, for they were the most efficient mode of transportation that was capable of carrying a considerable amount of cargo from an island to another or between continents. Djong became one of the most popular types of boats in Nusantara shipping. A type of ancient sailing boat, made by Javanese sailors in the 8th century—the biggest ship in that era.

Different from Java, Riau Islands also has a boat known as Djong. Instead of shipping, people use it for entertainment. In the Riau Islands, Djong is a miniature sailing boat that sail according to wind direction, played on the edge of the sea by the people of Riau, especially the fishermen during their leisure time.

The miniature of Djong is made of selected wood—the light and loamy pulai wood. Djong is mostly made in Tanjung Pinang, specifically in Tanjung Siambang, Dompak Village.

The origin of the Djong Boat game is related to the history of Malay. People say that there are several versions of the Djong Boat’s origin. One of them tells that the game is the product of cultural acculturation between Malay and Chinese peoples. The Djong Boat game had become an entertainment since the reign of Johor Pahang Riau Lingga Kingdom.

Until today, the Djong Boat is still played by people from different age groups in the Riau Islands. There are even some Djong Boat game communities so that the competitions were held several times in Riau Islands.

Are you curious about the story of Djong Boats and how they are made? Watch the video above to know further the story of Djong Boat, a trace in the Spice Routes knot.