Names

Sama Biasa Collection

Indonesian Perahu Collection

IDs

WAM 40

http://museum.wa.gov.au/research/collections/maritime-history/maritime-history-boats-and-watercraft

Descriptions

The Sama Biasa collection explores the notion of sovereign territorial waters, and the long-standing interactions with our northern neighbours that preceded it. The 187 items include the Indonesian perahu Sama Biasa itself, the first Indonesian boat arrested and confiscated for fishing in Australian territorial waters in 1980, and all the personal equipment and fittings typical of such a vessel that were on board when arrested.

The focus of the Sama Biasa Collection is to highlight the work and lifestyle of Indonesian fishers living aboard the perahu that was apprehended off the Kimberley coast of Western Australia in 1980. The Sama Biasa collection (187) includes the perahu and rigging, as well all the materials left on the boat when it was confiscated in 1980: parrangs, thongs and sandals, shark rattle, fishing gear, grass mats, dugout canoe and paddles, fire wood, trochus shells, spear-gun, fishing spears, bicycle inner tubes, boat fittings, pelepa (antifouling), rope, anchors, sails, bags and sacks, nails and fastenings, wire cables, fids, adze handle, saw, woven baskets, stool, pots and pans, coconut shells, tins, mugs, plates, lamp. Together the collection and its presentation seeks to allow visitors to better understand what is involved when they hear of another foreign vessel being arrested in Australian waters, and better understand the long standing and dynamic relationship between Australia and our northern neighbours.

Some material may be subject to copyright.

Viewable in exhibitions at WA Maritime Museum, WA Museum in Perth, Albany and Geraldton. Collection storage areas may be accessed by prior appointment.

Item descriptions, specifications, images, conservation & location history available through MHRD (WA Museum Maritime History department Integrated Collection Management System).

Subjects

20th century; Exclusive economic zone; Illegal fishing; Indonesian fishing; Poaching; Territorial waters

Boats; Crimes; Fisherman; Fishing; Fishing industry; Fishing industry equipment; Personal effects; Poaches; Vessels (watercraft)

Boats; Fishing; Fishing boats; Fishing industry; Maritime history; Maritime law; Water transport

Fishing boats; Watercraft

Coverage Spatial

Western Australia; Kimberley coast, Western Australia; International; Indonesia

Coverage Temporal

1950

1989

Related Collections

Dates

2012-05-30 23:42

2011-03-31 00:17