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Borobudur Ship Identified as Key Visual Symbol of Sriwijaya’s Maritime Identity
A 2026 study led by Yosef Yulius and a research team from the Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI) Bali reveals that the ship depicted in Borobudur Temple reliefs can serve as a foundational visual symbol of Sriwijaya’s maritime identity. Published in the International Journal of Integrative Sciences, the research highlights how historical visual artifacts and inscriptions can be integrated to reconstruct a coherent cultural identity. The findings matter because modern representations of Sriwijaya—long known as a dominant maritime power—remain fragmented and inconsistent in contemporary design and cultural narratives.
Sriwijaya, which flourished between the 7th and 9th centuries, played a central role in regional trade across Southeast Asia, connecting India, China, and the Indonesian archipelago. Despite its historical prominence, there has been no widely accepted visual identity that captures its maritime strength. This gap has become increasingly relevant as Indonesia seeks to strengthen cultural branding, heritage-based tourism, and historically grounded design.
The ISI Bali research team—Yosef Yulius, Anak Agung Gde Bagus Udayana, Alit Kumala Dewi, and I Wayan Mudra—approached this issue by examining visual and historical evidence together. They focused on a line drawing of the Borobudur ship created by 19th-century scholar Conradus Leemans, which simplifies the complex temple relief into a clearer structural form.
Reconstructing Maritime Technology Through Visual Analysis
The study used a qualitative visual analysis method. Instead of relying on technical measurements, the researchers analyzed the shape and structure of the ship as seen in the simplified drawing. They combined this with historical interpretation from the Kedukan Bukit inscription, a 7th-century text describing a large-scale expedition led by Dapunta Hyang involving thousands of followers.
This dual approach—visual artifact and historical inscription—allowed the researchers to connect what the ships looked like with how they were used in real maritime activity.
The analysis focused on identifying key structural elements of the ship, including:
- Hull shape and proportion
- Outrigger (stabilizing structure)
- Mast and sail configuration
- Rigging system (rope connections)
- Deck layout for crew activity
These elements were then interpreted not only as technical features but also as cultural symbols.
Key Findings: Advanced Maritime Design and Symbolic Meaning
The research confirms that the Borobudur ship represents a sophisticated maritime technology suited for long-distance travel across open seas and river systems. Several important findings stand out:
- Elongated hull design supports speed, cargo capacity, and long-distance navigation
- Outrigger system provides stability in rough maritime conditions
- Tanja sail configuration reflects adaptation to monsoon wind patterns in Southeast Asia
- Complex rigging system indicates advanced knowledge of sail control and navigation
- Deck structure suggests organized crew operations during voyages
Beyond technical capability, the ship also carries symbolic meaning. The study interprets each structural component as part of a broader visual language:
- The hull represents movement and expansion
- The outriggers symbolize balance and environmental adaptation
- The sail reflects interaction with natural forces
- The overall structure represents connectivity across regions
According to Yosef Yulius of ISI Bali, the Borobudur ship holds “symbolic legitimacy as a representation of maritime culture aligned with the Sriwijaya era.”
Linking Visual Evidence with Historical Narrative
The Kedukan Bukit inscription provides critical historical context. It records a large expedition involving approximately 20,000 people, suggesting the existence of vessels capable of transporting large groups and supplies.
Although the inscription does not describe ship designs, the Borobudur reliefs fill this gap by offering visual evidence of maritime technology from a similar time period. The study argues that combining these two sources—text and image—creates a more complete understanding of Sriwijaya’s maritime system.
This integration shows that ships were not just transportation tools but also instruments of political power, trade expansion, and cultural exchange.
Implications for Design, Culture, and Policy
The findings extend beyond historical analysis. They provide a practical framework for developing a modern visual identity rooted in Indonesian heritage.
For designers, the Borobudur ship offers a strong reference for creating logos, branding systems, and visual narratives that reflect Indonesia’s maritime history. The study demonstrates that historical forms can be simplified into modern symbols without losing their cultural meaning.
For education, the research supports integrating local heritage into design and cultural studies curricula. Students can learn to translate historical artifacts into contemporary visual communication.
For policymakers, the study highlights the importance of cultural assets in national identity building. A consistent maritime visual identity could strengthen Indonesia’s global image as a maritime nation.
The research also contributes to cultural preservation. By reinterpreting historical artifacts through modern frameworks, it ensures that traditional knowledge remains relevant in contemporary society.
Academic Perspective
The authors emphasize that visual identity is not just about aesthetics but about meaning. As the ISI Bali team explains, the transformation of historical artifacts into visual symbols allows cultural values to persist across time while adapting to modern contexts.
This perspective positions design as a bridge between past and present, where visual forms carry historical memory into contemporary communication.
Author Profile
Yosef Yulius, S.Ds., M.Ds., is a lecturer and researcher in visual communication design at the Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI) Bali, specializing in visual identity and cultural symbolism.
Anak Agung Gde Bagus Udayana, S.Sn., M.Sn., is an academic in fine arts and visual studies at ISI Bali.
Alit Kumala Dewi, S.Sn., M.Sn, focuses on visual culture and design research at ISI Bali.
I Wayan Mudra, S.Sn., M.Sn, is a senior lecturer with expertise in art, design, and cultural studies at ISI Bali.
Source
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ijis.v5i4.21
URL : https://journalijis.my.id/index.php/ijis/index
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