The magnificent Phinisi is a symbol of Indonesia’s seafaring heritage, which has been sailing along the Southeast Asian archipelago since the 14th century. These enormous ships, made from tropical hardwood, were initially designed for transportation and trade. The Bugis ethnic group of South Sulawesi, particularly the Konjo people of Ara, are world-famous Phinisi builders and today’s masters are proud descendants of a long sea-faring heritage.