The Pinisi ship is not merely a tool for maritime transport, but a manifestation of the Archipelago's maritime civilization, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2017. However, the global popularity of this ship—the pride of the Bugis-Makassar people—is now overshadowed by serious threats of illegal technology transfer and exploitation by external parties, which potentially harms the indigenous people of Bulukumba as the rightful owners of this wisdom.
The urgency of protecting intellectual property rights has now become a crucial agenda for the Bulukumba Regency Government. Without a strong legal umbrella, the risk of losing control over traditional knowledge—ranging from nail-less plank-joining techniques to star-based navigation—becomes increasingly real. A concrete and urgent step to take is the formalization of Communal Intellectual Property (CIP) through the Directorate General of Intellectual Property, which serves as a fortress against unilateral patent claims by foreign corporations.
In addition to legal protection, strict supervision of investment partnerships and the export of technical documents is a necessity. The Bulukumba Regency Government is expected to issue local regulations requiring legal audits and strict limitations on the transfer of detailed ship blueprints. This policy must ensure that foreign partners do not merely exploit technical data, but are required to involve the 'Panrita Lopi' or local master shipbuilders as key subjects in every shipbuilding project.
The aspect of regeneration is also a vital pillar in ensuring the sustainability of this technology. By establishing an official certification body for the Panrita Lopi, the local government will not only provide moral and legal protection for the artisans but also document knowledge that has hitherto been tacit or inherent to individuals. This step is crucial to ensure that the noble expertise of Pinisi building does not go extinct and remains a protected national asset in its own birthplace.
