On July 4 2024, I was assigned to join the study team for the "Spice Route Expedition on the West Coast of Sumatra". This research is an investigation into historical evidence of shipping routes for the world spice trade in the past. A private institution based in Surakarta, 'Sultanate Institute', in partnership with a non-profit institution, initiated a research program. During the expedition, I was appointed as a photographer to document the research as a village representative under the direction of my friend, as a cultural expert.
The area studied is Tapanuli Bay or Sibolga Bay, a wide bay with several bays in it which is a natural harbor on the west coast of South Tapanuli Regency, Sumatra, Indonesia.
Six staff members traveled overland from Banda Aceh in a minivan over a steep route of 788 kilometers, then joined the "Sultanate Institute" team who had arrived earlier.
By the way, we were supposed to return to the bay area in December 2021, but our plans were canceled due to the flood disaster that hit the area on December 16 2021, as reported by detiknews "Batang Toru River Overflows, Settlements in Tapsel Flooded". The trip has been rescheduled for March 2021, but may happen sooner.
Therefore, this post is about my travel experiences this month, along with pictures taken during that period.
Mursala Indah Homestay, a beachside accommodation overlooking the bay and close to the river mouth, is where my colleagues and I stayed at Kalangan Beach.
We were on a shady beach with small waves on the sand, as if we were on the shore of a lake.
I had never been to the place before as our goal was not a holiday, I didn't realize we had booked accommodation online in such a beautiful and pleasant location.
In the morning, we relaxed in beach huts and umbrella tents as accommodation facilities. While eating breakfast, we enjoyed the beautiful natural view of Tapanuli Bay. We felt like we were on holiday there.
The team was so engrossed in being there that they completely forgot about the main reason we were there, LOL.
A cup of coffee on my desk calmed me enough to continue reading "History of Sumatra," a book adapted from William Marsden's English translation of the History of Sumatra. When going on an adventure, these are the two cameras that I always carry.
If you are interested in reading this book, you can find it in the digital library of the Berlin State Library.
Title: History of Sumatra: Containing Notes on the Government, Laws, Customs, and Manners of the Native People, with Descriptions of Natural Products, and Relations with the Ancient Political Conditions of the Island.
Author: Marsden, William
Digitizer: Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Germany
In essence, it is a tourist attraction that tourists can visit to spend their holiday time. Tourists can rent a motorboat to get around Tapanuli Bay, with Mursala Island being the most popular location.
As the trip leader, my friend, raised the team's spirits while almost asleep in a comfortable environment. "Get ready," he continued, "We will sail to various beaches in the bay that may provide clues."
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