Maritime Historical Archaeology Research at Balok River, Belitung Island

Abstract

Balok River is one of the rivers in the southern part of Belitung Island, which empties into Balok Bay. This bay forms wide and sheltered water in which it is directly connected to the Java Sea. This paper aims to provide an overview of the past maritime relationship pattern along the Balok River and the surrounding waterfront environment. This study examines existing data from archaeological research conducted by South Sumatra Archaeological Research Office and the National Archaeological Research Center from 2011 to 2021. Archaeological remains such as ceramic artifacts from China, Southeast Asia, and Europe showed that these regions had been involved in long-distance international trade networks. Regional contact with outsiders is also proved by findings of pottery shreds such as jug and roof tile fragments that were not produced locally in the Belitung area. Oral history reveals that there was once arouse a kingdom named the Balok Kingdom along this river. This kingdom raised in the sixteenth century. Nevertheless, dwellings from the period before the Balok Kingdom's existence is unknown. The toponym along the Balok River also indicates topographical features associated with maritime culture, namely Pangkalan. This toponym probably refers to the docks in the past. At this time, places using pangkalan toponyms are still functioned as boat mooring places by Balok Villagers and its surroundings. Balok River is the main route for people to the sea for fishing.