BIRA – Sinarmas LDA Maritime (SLM), one of a leading logistics and shipping company in Indonesia, is proud to announce the launch of their newest phinisi vessel, Sanya. The vessel was built and launched in Tanjung Bira, Bulukumba, South Sulawesi. This launch marks a strategic step for the company in providing reliable and world-class maritime services, while also preserving and nurturing Indonesia’s maritime cultural heritage.
The Sanya phinisi vessel is the result of a collaboration between Alur Biru Maritim (ABM), a subsidiary of SLM, and ST International through a joint venture company. The construction process began with the traditional “Keel Laying” or “Peletakan Lunas” ceremony in April 2024, and successfully reached the launching stage in late May 2025.
Matthieu Lavoine, CEO of Sinarmas LDA Maritime, expressed his gratitude for the smooth launch. “We fully support the presence of the Sanya phinisi. This vessel is designed with the distinctive features of traditional Sulawesi phinisi, combining the elegance of classic phinisi with modern technology for enhanced safety,” he said.
Sanya is 36.2 meters long and 6.92 meters wide. The vessel is equipped with two comfortable guest cabins, and nine professional crew members ready to provide the best service with the signature Indonesian hospitality. The presence of Sanya underscores Sinarmas LDA Maritime’s commitment to meeting the demands of modern, safe, and comfortable shipping.
As a note, the phinisi itself is a globally recognized cultural heritage of Indonesia. In 2017, UNESCO designated the art of phinisi shipbuilding as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As a symbol of the traditional shipbuilding techniques of South Sulawesi communities, phinisi vessels stand as a testament to local wisdom that has endured to this day.
The launch of Sanya is a concrete proof that Sinarmas LDA Maritime is not only focused on innovation and shipping safety but also on preserving Indonesia’s maritime culture. “Sanya is the first phinisi for SLM and ABM, born from close collaboration with Pacific High Indonesia. We hope Sanya will become a proud cultural ambassador of Indonesia and further strengthen SLM’s position as a professional and world-class maritime service provider,” Matthieu added.
With its unique concept that combines tradition and modernization, Sinarmas LDA Maritime is optimistic that Sanya will be the top choice for marine tourism enthusiasts and maritime service users in Indonesia. The presence of this vessel further reinforces SLM’s dedication to support the sustainability of marine ecosystems and the growth of the national maritime economy.