The Story of Ridwan Alimuddin, Three Decades Dedicated to Preserving the Mandar Sandeq Boat Amid Changing Times

MAMUJU, KOMPAS.com - The Sandeq boat is one of the most remarkable maritime cultural creations from the Indonesian archipelago.

This traditional Mandar tribe sailing boat from West Sulawesi is renowned as the world's fastest sailboat without an engine, gliding sharply powered solely by the wind's force.

However, amidst modernization that has reshaped the sailing landscape with the advent of motorized vessels, the presence of the Sandeq has become increasingly marginalized on the open seas.

Facing this reality, Muhammad Ridwan Alimuddin (Iwan) did not remain idle.

Born in Tinambung on December 23, 1978, he stands firmly at the forefront to ensure his ancestors’ heritage does not fade away with time.

Ridwan has dedicated over three decades of his life as a maritime researcher, writer, journalist, and cultural activist.

In recognition of his consistent dedication and service, Ridwan received the Indonesian Cultural Award in the Pioneer and/or Innovator category from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia in December 2025.

Resisting modernization through literacy

For Ridwan, the Sandeq boat is not merely a tool for fishing transport but a manifestation of identity and a symbol of the spirit of the great Nusantara sailors.

While advances in sailing technology have sidelined the Sandeq’s economic function, the knowledge behind it must never be lost.

"Physically preserving the boat amid the demands of modern times is indeed challenging. However, the knowledge, values, and philosophy embedded in the Sandeq must endure through research, writing, and documentation," Ridwan told Kompas.com on Monday (9/21/2026).

A 2006 graduate of the Fisheries Department at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta, Ridwan chose literacy as his fortress of defense. He has produced dozens of written works and cultural manuscripts.

These include the monumental books Sandeq: The Fastest Boat of the Nusantara (2009) and Mandar Zero Kilometer (2010), which document the seafaring glory of the Mandar people.

Building a literacy hub along the coast

Going beyond his personal writings, Ridwan founded the literacy movement community Armada Pustaka and the Nusa Pustaka Maritime Library-Museum in Tinambung, Polewali Mandar on March 13, 2016.

This facility serves as a center for archives, research, and maritime education for coastal children and researchers from various places.

"Our community needs reading and learning spaces close to their life realities. Through Nusa Pustaka, we want to invite children not only to read books but also to 'read' the sea and their ancestors’ history," Ridwan explained.

Taking the Sandeq across the world’s oceans

Ridwan’s dedication to preserving the Sandeq is also demonstrated through extensive fieldwork.

He has been actively involved as the team leader and coordinator of the annual Sandeq Race event held for many years.

At the 2022 Sandeq Festival, he coordinated a challenging voyage that crossed the Makassar Strait from West Sulawesi to East Kalimantan.

His most memorable experience came when he brought the Sandeq to the international stage. In July 2012, Ridwan was appointed Head of the Mandar Delegation Team at the Festival de Brest in France.

"Sailing the Sandeq in European waters in front of a global audience was an extraordinary pride. It proved that Mandar maritime skills are recognized worldwide," he said.

Instilling the sailor’s DNA in the younger generation

To ensure the continuity of this tradition, Ridwan initiated an innovative program called Student on Sandeq (SOS) starting in 2022.

Held regularly along the Majene coast, the program invites students to experience sailing firsthand on the Sandeq.

On board, young participants learn to read wind direction, recognize waves, and study boat-building techniques.

"The people of West Sulawesi, especially the Mandar tribe, have a seafarer’s DNA strongly flowing in their veins." 

"Through educational programs like SOS, we want young people not just to be verbally proud but to take concrete actions to care for our culture and marine environment," Ridwan emphasized.

This independent researcher affirmed that his struggle to nurture the Sandeq heritage is far from over.

As long as the sea keeps rolling, his commitment to record, write, and sail alongside the Sandeq will continue to soar.