Underwater Archaeological Heritage: A Media for Maritime Learning

摘要

Indonesian people evolved in the archipelago along the equator. Its strategic location and natural wealth of producing spices appeals foreigners to come. People in Nusantara are common with seafaring and thrive as a maritime nation. Cultural contact and a long history have left cultural heritage, most buried underground, and some sunk to the bottom of the sea. These cultural heritages contain information connected to the history and the culture of Indonesian people. Based on survey by the Directorate of Underwater Cultural Heritage in 2011, in Indonesia it is estimated that there are 3807 underwater archeological sites. These sites must be preserved because it contains information about the past. Cultural heritage is very important as a part of learning as maritime nation, especially for the young generation. Indonesia is emphasizing in character building as a maritime nation, as mentioned by President Joko Widodo in his priority agenda called Nawa Cita. Publication and dissemination of information about the richness of Indonesian maritime culture is still rare. Therefore, this paper is aim to open our insight that there are an abundance of cultural heritage from our ancestors that needs to be guarded and understand together to reinforce our identity as a maritime nation.