Integrated Marine Archaeological Research on a Japanese Shipwreck Site in Gorontalo Province, Indonesia
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Integrated Marine Archaeological Research on a Japanese Shipwreck Site in Gorontalo Province, Indonesia Nia Naelul Hasanah Ridwan1, Gunardi Kusumah1, Semeidi Husrin1, Try Altanto1, Ilham1, Hadi Sofyan1, Aprizon Putra1, Herlina² 1Research Institute for Coastal Resources and Vulnerability Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries ²Bandung Institute Technology E-mail: [email protected] Abstract Gorontalo is "The Hidden Paradise" and is one of the youngest provinces in Indonesia. It is home to a Japanese shipwreck site from World War II located at Leato Beach. Recently this shipwreck site began to be known amongst SCUBA divers. However, it has not yet been protected by law and has not been utilized optimally. This Japanese shipwreck site in a depth of 25-50 m along with the diversity of coral reefs and other marine life is a potential marine resource that can be developed as a shipwreck diving spot in Gorontalo that could accelerate the economic prosperity of local communities. Integrated marine archaeological research in 2014 conducted by Ministry of Marine Affairs using underwater archaeological approaches to find out the shipwreck's current condition and site significance. Collecting hydro-oceanographic data (tides, currents, waves), sedimentation, water quality, supporting ecosystem data and bathymetry analysis have also been carried out in this study in order to determine the site's physical environmental conditions and to identify the factors of vulnerability that threaten the site. The results of this study are expected to provide information on site conditions and the types of vulnerabilities which can be used as the basis of the coastal zone management as well as the basis for its sustainable preservation and development efforts. The results of this study can also provide input to the preparation of regional spatial plans, the regional tourism development master plan, and the master plan of development zone of marine and fisheries in Gorontalo. Keywords: Marine Archaeological Research, Japanese Wreck, Site Preservation, Economic Prosperity, Local Community, Gorontalo. Introduction In accordance with Law No. 1/2014 on Amendment of Law No. 27/2007 on Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands which is the concept of Indonesian marine affairs sustainable development, in accordance with the Ministerial Decree of Marine Affairs and Fisheries No. 17/2008 on Conservation Areas in Coastal Areas and Small Islands which mandates the need for identification of potential and vulnerabilities related to sustainability and resource management in coastal and small islands as well as the optimization of resource utilization that can support national marine conservation program of Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, and noticed the Law No. 11/2010 on The Protection of Cultural Heritage, and by taking into account the priorities and direction of marine affairs development in Indonesia, hence the Research Institute for Coastal Resources and Vulnerability, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries sees the need to carry out research on valuable historical-archaeological sites of sunken ship in Gorontalo Province which can be designated as a Maritime Conservation Area and marine tourism destinations, along with analysis of potential vulnerabilities to the changes of the surrounding physical environment and the threat of human disturbance. Gorontalo, one of the youngest province in Indonesia with nicknamed "The Hidden Paradise", has a real marine and coastal resources that potential to be developed. Besides rice, coconut, and corn cultivation, Gorontalo is also exporting tuna and cultivating seaweed. However, another potential which has not been utilized optimally is the richness and the beauty of Gorontalo's underwater world. Despite located along the Equator and called as "Paradise on the Equator", Gorontalo is the real center for marine biodiversity with many different species of endemic marine life. At this time Gorontalo's local governments started developing a number of point locations in coastal and small island for beaches, diving and marine tourism such as Olele rural tourism village, Traffic Jam Diving Spot, and Bitila Island. Meanwhile, not far from the city center, there is a point location of Japanese ship sinking during World War II, which, according to Fadel Muhammad, the previous Minister o Marine Affairs and Fisheries, if well developed in the future this shipwreck site can be a world-class dive spots (Allen, 2006). This Japanese shipwreck site has not been investigated yet. The absence of research and identification of potential vulnerabilities and the lack of awareness of the central and local governments as well as general public in protecting and managing this shipwreck site needs serious attention so that it can be protected presently and later can be utilized as a potential underwater tourist destination that is useful for society. Therefore, our research started this year is perceived quite important and urgent. The results of this study will be expected to provide information regarding the shipwreck site significance and other coastal resources surrounding the site that can be used as the basis of the zoning arrangement of the coastal region, the basis for ongoing preservation efforts and the scientific basis for future development as an eminent underwater cultural heritage sites and excellent tourist destination in Gorontalo. Identification of resources and its vulnerabilities related to coastal resources sustainability and the optimization efforts of resources utilization are expected to support the national marine conservation programs and programs of local governments on the development of potential marine tourism of the region, as well as to support the management of Tomini Bay region which is the follow up of the signing Memorandum of Understanding on May 13, 2009 between the Governor of Gorontalo with the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries in the framework of joint management of coastal resources of Tomini Bay. This study will also be one of the efforts to support the government's program through science- based recommendations (scientific support) that is given to local governments and other stakeholders in Gorontalo who will be the manager of this shipwreck site and the parties that directly interact with the the region. Japanese shipwreck is now becoming known dive sites and has attracted a number of people to dive at that location. However, the protection and management has not been unnoticed by the central and local governments and only dive tourism operators who have taken advantage of the shipwreck site. The big interest of dive tourism operators shows that the Japanese shipwreck can be considered to have a huge potential to serve as the next shipwreck dives spot for tourist in Gorontalo. This site can be developed into such USAT Liberty Wreck at Tulamben, Bali, SS Yongala in Australia's Great Barrier Reef or USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor USA. Indonesian Marine Board (2012) explained that the economic policy direction of marine tourism sector should be encouraged to be developed to improve the tourist development of the archipelago which is capable to keep the integrity of the national culture. In addition, the preservation of shipwreck sites and the development of marine tourism should be able to provide employment opportunities for local communities and must be managed sustainably (http://www.dekin.kkp.go.id/index.php). Research Location The study conducted on Japanese shipwreck which is administratively located in Leato Village, Kota Selatan District, The city of Gorontalo, Gorontalo Province. Its position lies in Tomini Bay at Gorontalo Waters. Japanese shipwreck location is not too far from the beach which is 50 - 70 m, so as to reach the location of this wreck, the divers could walk and simply to do beach entry for descending. The nearest river to the shipwreck site location is Bone River which is in distance 2 km. The size of underwater research area is about 100 x 50 m. Fig 1. Japanese Shipwreck Site Location Scope and Methodology This multidisciplinary research was done in order to obtain data and a complete profile of shipwreck site and its environment for the development of science related to underwater cultural heritage, marine ecosystems, and also to document the existing shipwreck site before it ruined and lost due to natural processes and human activities. Experts involved on this research consists of a wide range of expertise and disciplines, namely maritime archeologist, physical oceanographers, marine geologists, marine and fisheries experts, coastal resource management specialists, GIS specialists, marine tourism specialist, geodetic experts, underwater construction specialists, marine ecosystems experts, and underwater photographer. While the equipment used in this research, are: 1 camera Canon EOS 5D Mark III and underwater housing Nauticam Canon NA-5DMK lll, 1 camera Olympus SP560UZ with Ikelite underwater housing, 3 cameras and housing Canon G12, Singlebeam Echosounder, Fishfinder, 8 sediment traps, Multiparameter Instrument TOA-DKK, Water Quality Checker, Tide Master Valeport, GPS, Compass, bottle sample, Nansen Bottle, roll metre 100 m, and diving gear. The research activities include literature study and secondary data collection in the form of: archived data of shipwreck and maritime culture remains in the local area, the local historical data, meteorological and climatology data, regional biophysical data including biodiversity and ecosystems, socio-economic