BIRA – Alur Biru Maritim (ABM), a subsidiary of Sinarmas LDA Maritime through its joint venture company with ST International, attended the Keel Laying ceremony in Bira, Bulukumba, South Sulawesi. The ceremony was held on Wednesday (24/04/2024).

The Keel Laying ceremony is a tradition in pinisi shipbuilding and signifies the beginning of Semesta’s shipbuilding. ABM attended the ceremony together with Pacific High Indonesia as partners in the construction of the phinisi vessel. The ceremony was attended by Alur Biru Maritim Director Kim Hun Sung, Pacific High Indonesia Director Yann Martinie de Maisonneuve and Shipyard Owner and exclusive wood dealer to Pacific High Pabian.

The Imam, a respected spiritual figure in the community, initiates the traditional Phinisi shipbuilding process with the keel-laying ceremony, known locally as ‘potong lunas’.

Afterwards, Incisions were made along the keel, the middle one symbolically representing the navel. The aft keel incision signifying the feet, while the forward keel incision symbolized the eyes to set the direction. This ceremonial act serves to dispel any lingering evil spirits and purify the vessel during its construction.

Following the incisions, a small section of the keel on either side was meticulously sawn off in a continuous cut. These wooden pieces were preserved and later cast into the sea as a Symbolic Offering. This ritual act sought to ensure that when the time comes, the spirits of the sea would warmly embrace the Semesta’s wooden hull. The ‘Semesta’ yacht, a 33-meter masterpiece crafted from Ironwood and teak and which embodies exclusivity and luxury, will Set Sail in August 2025.