Sulawesi: The Charming Southeast Asian Story
Take a quick look at the map of your country. The coloured area should indicate national territories. Shows nothing more but a simple shape, areas beyond national boundaries will be left colourless. In Southeast Asia, national boundaries could be very problematic. Two or more islands are connected by the sea. Fishermen from both sides intersect with each other regularly. Sometimes with verbal communication, some other times with code or a simple friendly waving hand.
“Connected by the sea”. Could you imagine that? How to indicate our territory in the sea? Well, the UN took this very seriously though. To prevent any potential conflict, they held the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1982. In an instant period, problems were solved. We can now see the borders by the mutual agreement between countries.
Then we come to the island of Sulawesi. This is one of the most important islands in the country. Living peacefully in its coastal area, a maritime-based civilisation. Geographically, the island is a border region between 3 countries; Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines.
The border line in Sulawesi, just like in any other part of the world, happened to be a product of a long history. It did not happen overnight. This makes it a historical archipelago.
Generally, there are two seasons in Sulawesi: the South season (from May to September), and the North (Northwest). But apparently there are 2 transition periods in April and October when the wind comes from everywhere, which makes it quite impossible to sail the ship.
But the beauty of nature can be seen all over the island. The wind blows periodically and in various intensities. Ships from outside the region might be able to enter the sea of Sulawesi from 3 different directions.
First they can use a route from Sulu sea through the South China Sea. Secondly, through the Maluku sea, by the Pacific Ocean. Lastly, from the strait of Makassar, which connected the Java sea, Flores, and Sulawesi.
In the pre-modern times, when there were no “nations”, they managed to catch the fish together. There were no boundaries as well. The late Adrian B. Lapian, one of the greatest Indonesian historians stated in his book that people in this territory have mastered the skill of continuum. This particular skill allows them to communicate with people outside their group, and to adapt to a new environment or new rules that they have to apply.
There is one myth, some might say, under the water. The great sea mountain said to be connecting the islands from the cape of San Agustin, Mindanao in the Philippines to the far South of Miangas and Talaud Islands, which until today still recognised themselves as part of Indonesia.
So the Siboga Expedition was held in March 1899 to February 1900. They were seeking all available sources before getting into the conclusion that the myth is still a myth. 3.302 Metres under the sea separates the islands, so the two must have been separated since the beginning.
But worry not for the future, they will keep the situation continuum though.
