UniqueONES The name was unique and immediately raises the question What is this? It is one of the automotive creations made by an Indonesian autobuilder named Denny Kusumah. And this is the Dakodok, as this unique car is called, which is crossbreeding results of the Volkswagen Type-2, which in Indonesia is known as the VW Dakota, with the Volkswagen Beetle or the Indonesians usually call it the VW Kodok. Well, that's where the name Dakodok comes from.
The Dakodok is a 'cross-breeding' result custom car between VW Dakota and VW Kodok built by Indonesian car builder Denny Kusumah. (Picture from: Era.id)
As quoted from AirCooledSyndicate, the creator said that his Dakodok was inspired by a unique custom toy he saw while attending the 2016 Yohohama Hot Rod Custom Show event in Yokohama, Japan. It was a customizable toy consisting of two units, namely the VW Split Bus and the VW Split Bug. After returning from Japan, the toy was forgotten.
The Dakodok made by an Indonesia auto builder named Denny Kusumah will be made into one of Hot Wheels Legend Tour diecast series models. (Picture from: Kompas)
When Denny Kusumah intended to make a custom VW that would be displayed at one of the VW shows in Indonesia, it came back to his mind, and finally the idea was executed by him. In short, then he made a somewhat unique modification process by removing the front of the VW Beetle by cutting the B-pillar and leaving half the VW Beetle from the B-pillar to the rear.
The Dakodok's door has extreme changes, by adopting the suicide door types with no handle, so to open the door from the outside, you must use a remote system key that will open it automatically. (Picture from: TheGasPol)
Uniquely, this crossbreeding process does not use an original VW Dakota. Then where did the face of the VW Dakota come from? The such face was obtained by making it by himself starting from the front roof, the distinctive face and nose with a split windshield.
The Dakodok has an extreme looks by adopting from the Volkswagen Type-2 with its distinctive split windshield. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
The same thing was done on the chassis, where the Beetle chassis was taken half to the rear, then remade the front chassis to suit the face of the VW Dakota. Precisely this is the automaker's real work, he should be carefully calculated the length and strength of the chassis that is connected to the rear chassis pieces of the VW Beetle.
The Dakodok has extreme looks of crossbreeding between VW Beetle from the B-pillar to the rear and VW Dakota in front. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
Apart from that, another difficulty was when adjusting the size of the large face of the VW Dakota with the small tail of the VW Beetle. So the roof, door and head must be made with their own dimensions. So if we look closely, the face size of the VW Dakota is actually smaller than the original one because it adapts to the tail of the VW Beetle.
The Dakodok's legs are installed adjusters so that the car looks low and pinned with 17-inches Iron Cross alloy wheels wrapped in 205/40 Achilles tires. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
Moreover, the Dakodok's door has extreme changes, by adopting the suicide door types. Uniquely, the door has no handle, so to open the door from the outside, you must use a remote system key that will open it automatically.
The Dakodok's cabin is filled with the dashboard panels follow the original VW Dakota coupled with two 'Jump Seat' type custom seats made of aluminum alloy. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
On the other exterior, the fender looks wider than the usual VW Beetle and the fender cover is added. This aims to balance with the front or face of the VW Dakota. Not to forget, the rear glass frame was changed from the large glass of the 1962 Beetle to the glass of the VW Dakota or Beetle. And the details of the hood also follow the car's year, namely with the W-shaped hood that was commonly used on the VW Beetle of the 1950s.
At the rear, due to the narrow space, it was not possible to place VW's real gas tank, so the automaker put sufficient custom gas tank in the position of rear seat. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
While for the interior, the dashboard panels follow the original VW Dakota coupled with two 'Jump Seat' type custom seats made of aluminum alloy. At the rear, due to the narrow space, it was not possible to place VW's real gas tank, so the automaker put sufficient custom gas tank in the position of rear seat.
The Dakodok still uses the original VW Beetle 1200 drivetrain which is connected to the original Beetle transmission as well. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
On the legs are installed adjusters so that the car looks low and pinned with 17-inches Iron Cross alloy wheels wrapped in 205/40 Achilles tires. As the Dakodok's posture is quite small, the engine part still uses the original VW Beetle 1200 drivetrain which is connected to the original Beetle transmission as well.
The Dakodok's rear section also follows the car's year, namely with the W-shaped hood that was commonly used on the VW Beetle of the 1950s. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
Finally, as the finishing, Dakodok was painted in a combination of red and white as a symbol of the Indonesian flag. Because the process of making this custom car is considered to have a high level of difficulty, the automaker must work diligently in his workshop in Bandung for 6 years from 2016 to 2022 to make it as you can see today.
After completion, Dakodok was then included in several local and abroad custom car contests and managed to win several prestigious titles such as 1st place in the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Indonesia 2022 event, then 1st place in Hot Wheels Fan Favorite Asia Pacific held by World Hot Wheels Legend.
And included Top 10 Finalists of the Hot Wheels Legend Global Grand Final on November 12, 2022 virtually in the US. As a result, the Dakodok made by an Indonesia auto builder will be made into one of Hot Wheels Legend Tour 1:64 scaled diecast series models. *** [EKA |FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AIRCOOLEDSYNDICATE | MEDIA INDONESIA | ERA.ID | THEGASPOL | KOMPAS | WARTA EKONOMI | REPUBLIKA ]
OLD-School Once upon a time we were amazed when we saw a picture of an old truck posted on the Twitter timeline of QuirkyRides. Then we remembered that we had found and seen one of these kind of classic trucks milling around on the streets in Bandung where I live now, and also being covered by the automotive media Otomotifnet back in 2017. That's why we wrote and posted it this time.
Did you know if this old-school Tempo Matador truck currently is one of the rare vehicles in the world, and left less 10 units to this day. (Picture from: the Twitter timeline of QuirkyRides)
The classic truck in question above is the Tempo Matador, an old-school lazy-face truck made by a defunc German automotive manufacturer and powered by a Volkswagen drivetrain. Did you know if this classic truck currently is one of the rare vehicle species in the world, even said to be one of the most sought after items by the automotive collectors.
The Tempo Matador is a 1-ton class light truck was popular in Europe back in the 1940s to 1950s, is produced by Hamburg-based Vidal & Sohn Tempo-Werk in partnership with Volkswagen as the engine supplier. (Picture from: Oldbug)
As quoted of Otomotifnet, the 1-ton class light truck was popular in Europe back in the 1940s to 1950s, is produced by Hamburg-based Vidal & Sohn Tempo-Werk in partnership with Volkswagen as the engine supplier. As quoted from AirCooledSyndicate, the Tempo Matador was designed by Dietrich Bergst, who had worked for the company since 1930. Bergst immediately modernized the company's vehicle lineup. The result was the Tempo Matador which was officially introduced to the public in 1949.
1951 Tempo Matador truck while on its daily routine to deliver bottled mineral waters to customers in Bandung. (Picture from: Otomotifnet)
In many ways the Matador was very different from its predecessors. It featured a front-mounted cabin and was powered by a 1,131 cc four-cylinder Volkswagen boxer engine which was mounted under the seat and powered the front wheels via a Volkswagen gearbox. However, it still features the same tube chassis and floating axles from Hanseat and the cabin retains the Spartan wood floors and fittings.
1951 Tempo Matador truck unit had found in Bandung, belongs to Terror Garage workshop in Bandung. (Picture from: Otomotifnet)
As quoted from Oldbug, from around 1,300 units of the Tempo Matador managed to leave its factory in Hamburg, Germany, less than ten units of this unique truck have survived to this day. One of the old-school trucks made in 1951 which known has existed to this day belongs to Terror Garage in Bandung.
1951 Tempo Matador truck unit found in Bandung featured with the steering wheel is positioned in the middle. (Picture from: Otomotifnet)
This Bandung-based VW specialist workshop can be said to be lucky because they managed to get one unit of the classic Tempo Matador truck in quite good condition. This also proven that the German-made classic commercial vehicles once roamed far to Indonesia, particularly in
Jakarta and Bandung, not only in the pick-up model, but also a minibus model. Here's the proof, a delivery van of Tempo Matador 1400 had been found on Belitung Island, and now already belongs to an automotive enthusiast in Jakarta.
1952 Tempo Matador 1400 unit had found in Belitung Island, and already belongs to an automotive enthusiast in Jakarta now. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
Uniquely, on the Tempo Matador truck unit found in Bandung featured with the steering wheel is positioned in the middle, so making it possible to fit up to three passengers including the driver in front. Not only that this old-school truck has a somewhat unique appearance with two wipers
installed above the windshield split in half, coupled with two round headlights that seem to express one lazy face in there. For your info, this such a kind of truck was the first ones to introduce a front-wheel drive layout.
1952 Tempo Matador 1400 unit while sat on display at the 2022 Jogjakarta Rame Volkswagen (Jogjakarta's Volkswagen Crowded) held in September 2022. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
The old school impression is increasingly felt on the figure of this old commercial vehicle with its unique suicide-door styles as access to the cabin. Furthermore the Tempo Matador classic truck uses an independent suspension with transverse leaf springs, known as independent mono-leaf springs, while the rear suspension is a rigid axle system with conch springs.
Hmm, do anyone of you have such rare old-school trucks like this? Though, it's an old-school, it can still generate a lot of money for you if there are collectors who are interested to trade it with a suitcase full of dollar bills.😉 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | QUIRKYRIDES | OLDBUG | AIRCOOLEDSYNDICATE ]
CaféRacer The passion to get a special custom motorcycle will not subside even if it has to travel thousands of kilometers away. Well, to get the best will certainly give its own satisfaction. And a custom motorcycle work is usually born from imagination plus inspiration from various studies of the builder.
The café racer custom motorcycle based of the Royal Einfield Bullet 500 by Krom Works. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)
One important thing in the motorcycle figure has its own identity from its creator as part of its strength. This is one of the characteristics of Krom Works, a southern Jakarta-based custom-motorcycle workshop that has its own charm by playing the chrome accents.
The headlight of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 café racer customized by Krom Works is integrated with the body and given a unique additional grille. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)
As we can see in one of the latest modification results of the workshop, in which its special style chromated touche penetrated to entire bodyparts of simple dazzling café racer styled motorcycle that combines classic and futuristic nuances by taking the base of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500.
The handlebars of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 café racer customized by Krom Works mounted inside the body, which makes it a bit complicated and uncomfortable to ride. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)
According to the Builder from Krom Works, Andika Pratama, the motorcycle custom concept is different from the café racer styles in general. As you can see, this motorbike has a stature and
appearance that is very unique and different from most custom
motorbikes. Therefore, the builder say that the motorbike is not
recommended for daily use.
The stop lamp of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 café racer customized by Krom Works is hidden in its stern and is given an additional grille like the headlights. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)
One of them is from the application of tires with a 21-inch rims on the front and back. Just for info, the motorbike custom project is commissioned by Keith Edney, a customer in UK who want to have the Krom Works custom motorcycle based of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500. Therefore, in this project, the builder only uses the RE Bullet 500 engine which he coincidentally owns as a molding place only, where the entire chassis and custom body will be built around the engine.
Its stainless exhaust made in short-size to match the overall concept and add to the engine roaring of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 custom motorcycle. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)
Then in the building process, Krom Works builder admitted that it took about 5 months. Almost all the motorbike's body made by hand and only relies on the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 engine. Unless several parts taken from other notorcycles, such as the legs, the
Royal Enfield Café Racer uses a rear suspension taken from the Kawasaki
Ninja. While the front suspension uses a Girder model with the
mechanism inside the motorcycle's body.
Uniquely, the rear monoshock suspension is made as if it is one with this custom Royal Enfield Bullet 500 chassis. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)
The Royal Enfield custom body is made of stainless steel plate material with a thickness of 1.5 mm with a unibody model consisting of several welded series and polished metal finishing until it is shining. Inside the body there is a tank that can hold about 4 liters of gasoline, and to make it look cleaner, the electrical system and battery are stored in the body as well.
The rear drum of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 café racer customized by Krom Works is made of an aluminum billet which is decorated with brass-touch and air scoops and is mounted into one with the gears. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)
Meanwhile, the Krom Works custom motorcycle's chassis is more likely boxy-shaped, and is made of 8 mm iron plate. The builder admitted, previously more often using iron tubings to make chassis. So no wonder, in the making of the such boxy-shaped chassis is indeed a bit complicated because there must be something welded and forged by hand. After finished, the chassis was then given a green color because it was considered to have classic elements as the bike's owner desires.
This unique motorcycle custom concept has a fairly difficult manufacturing process, that's no wonder the making of this motorbike costs quite a bit of money. According to the builder, the cost spent to build the Royal Enfield café racer style custom motorcycle is in the range of Rp.90 millions to Rp.140 millions (approx $6,300 to $9,800).
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and
stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and
so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KROM WORKS | NAIKNOTOR.COM ]
Note: Thisblog can be accessedvia your smartphone.
Custom Built Customization is one way to change the appearance of a motorcycle to be different from the factory default. Almost all components are made by hand, without deifying the aftermarket accessories available in the market.
A modified Yamaha XSR 155 done by Pap N Mam in a modern flat track style. (Picture from: Viva)
By utilizing the builders or experts to make a custom motorbike, some manufacturers are interested in changing their products to attract the attention of consumers.
As has been done by the world's famous Japanese motorcycle brand Yamaha (in Indonesia) through PT Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing (YIMM) took in collaboration with several well-known custom motorcycle workshops in the country. And one of its latest custom projects is with Pap N Mam.
The Yamaha XSR 155 has a neo retro design that can attract attention, but in the hands of Hendra Cahyono of a motorcycle builder and owner of Semarang-based workshop named Pap N Mam, the Yamaha XSR was changed to a modern flat track.
Hendra said that the Yard Built event is a place for builders and modifiers to be able to realize their dreams of developing motorcycles, which are in accordance with their own wishes.“In this Yard Built program, I carry the Modern Flat Track concept. Through this creation, I can express my ideas and innovations as a whole. All ideas and ideas about developing the bike according to my wishes came true. It's like saying, this is really my motorbike," he said, quoted by VIVA Otomotif Friday, December 31, 2021.
In the process of changing, Hendra played a lot in the legs area. So on the legs the changes look very striking. So that it doesn't look short, then he adds or connects the wheelbase of the XSR 155 motorbike back up to 10 cm (extended swingarm).
Hendra Cahyono of Semarang-based workshop Pap N Mam while on work to custom the Yamaha XSR 155. (Picture from: Viva)
Thus, the dimensions of the XSR 155 will be longer. To make it look more manly, Hendra pinned various knick-knacks on the XSR 155 he changed. For the appearance of the headlights and taillights, he carries the concept of a pop up style headlamp, where the lights can open and close automatically.
Then embed the exhaust header with titanium material equipped with exhaust valvetronic features and custom aluminum cylinders. And so that it looks macho even when parked, Hendra has attached a side standard that is equipped with the ESS (Electronic Side Stand) feature. "The reason is because in my work, safety features must still be considered. That's why I pinned the ESS feature on the side," as Hendra concluded then.
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and
stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and
so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VIVA.CO.ID | OTOMOTIF.KOMPAS | 100KPJ.COM | OTOPLUS ]
ONE-OFF The presence of various forms of artwork is like a magnet that can always attract enthusiasts to enjoy it. And works of art don't have to be present in general forms such as paintings, sculptures or others. Yes, works of art could also be realized in the form of motorized vehicles. This is like what was shown by a Semarang-based modification workshop called PapnMam Modified at the Kustomfest 2020 annual event which was held in December 2020 in then.
The Honda GL-400 Custom is built by the Semarang-based workshop called PapnMom Modified while on display at the Jogja National Museum in the Kustomfest 2020 annual event. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
It's gorgeous, that is an expression that came out when watching this neat Honda GL-400 Custom motorcycle made by the Semarang-based modification workshop on display at the Kustomfest 2020 event at the Jogja National Museum. How's look? You could be seen a custom motorcycle figure comes with a minimalist design blend in a futuristic concept, making it appear like a modern contemporary work of art.
The Honda GL-400 Custom is built by the Semarang-based workshop called PapnMom Modified and from the Honda GL400 only the engine is taken, the rest is made by hand. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
As quoted from Otomotifnet, the only-one custom motorbike was built by the Semarang-based modification workshop for more than 1 year (1 year 2 months to be exact) since 2019, with the initial concept of a café racer, and over time many changes have occurred up to its final result carries a futuristic concept as seen today.
The Honda GL-400 Custom body and chassis made by hand and using the origami technique. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
The motorbike modification project began when the motorbike owner intends to build his Honda CB-400, then changed his mind after getting a hunk of the Honda GL-400's longitudinal configuration V-Twin engine unit. And Hendra Cahyono as the bike builder of PapnMam Modified gave a lot of
design input to Noval Mustapha, the motorbike owner while working on
the modification project.
The PapnMam Modified's Honda GL-400 Custom fuel tank uses a separate, futuristic chassis model. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
As for your information, the Honda GL-400 is a 400cc variant of the Honda GL-500 Silver Wing, a touring motorcycle that uses an innovative Honda CX500 engine with uncommon based technology and was rarely used in its time. Apart from adopting a longitudinal V-Twin engine, it is also equipped with liquid cooling, electric starter, shaft drive, modular rims and two CV-type carburetors which are set to reduce emissions.
The cafe racer concept clamp handlebar is the main controller of the PapnMam Modified's Honda GL-400 Custom. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
Then the machine is placed on a frame and chassis made with the 'origami' technique. The technique applied on the bike is not 'origami' in real mean (Japanese's paper folding art), instead by manually assembling the chassis made of metal plates one by one, which previously had made the patterns on the yellow cardboard on the scale of 1 : 1.
The Honda GL-400 Custom is installed with a Keihin Carburetor which is added with a custom square velocity stack. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
And according to the builder, the method will simplify the process to apply onto the real chassis. Only by transferring the cardboard motif to the metal plate then assembling it into one complete chassis. Then by using the same method also applied by the motorbike builder on the body making process. The work ranging from the fender, fuel tank to the radiator cover. The thin and hollow frame in the center creates a dynamic and artistic impression. Then followed by a stern that seemed to be seen only as a thin sheet.
Inside the Honda GL-400 Custom exhausts is embedded a handmade valvetronic system to help reduce sound. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
And the one off modified GL-400 bike is also equipped with axle drive as standard, that's seems to have its own difficulties while in the installing process. The distance between the engine holder and the arm must be made precisely, for the reason then the builder should be redesigned the default swing arm, and must not be made too long or short in order to be installed optimally.
The Honda GL-400 Custom has a plaque with the serial number 001/001 which indicates the motorcycle is only one in the world. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
The next difficulty occurred when the rear drum was made, because the original motorcycle used tires with a maximum size of 120 inches, while the modified motorcycle used 160-inch tires so that it was not possible to shift the axle. And the solution taken by the motorcycle maker is to shift the engine position about 1cm to the right. Besides the body, there many parts on the modified motorbike are no less eccentric, such the front and rear drum are made of T6 dural aluminum material which is
combined with aftermarket rim spokes and wrapped by a pair of the
slick tires of Dunlop.
The Honda GL-400 Custom used the redesigned swing arm and shifted the engine position 1 cm to the right so that Dunlop 160" slick tire can be installed at rear. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
The engine was left relatively standard, because according to the manufacturer when it was first received it was fully rebuilt and he only made a new pair of the chrome layered exhausts. To reduce the exhaust sound then the builder added an electronic valve or valvetronic. The exhaust's valvetronic system was made by himself with a servo that uses a car's power window dynamo whose its cover is made of metal so that it is heat resistant.
The Honda GL-400 Custom is built by the Semarang-based workshop called PapnMom
Modified while on display at the Jogja National Museum in the Kustomfest 2020
annual event. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
When the modified motorbike is half-made with the engine installed, the builder done a series of the tests is carried out for 3 weeks to 1 month. The goal is to make sure all components are safe and working perfectly. As the finishing, the builder does not give the color to the body, only whitewashed with clear coat. As if proudly showing the metal lines on the body. As the result, the one off modified GL-400 motorcycle has became a star in the Kustomfest 2020 event and lots of compliments had been pointed to it during the show.
And maybe one day, this gorgeous motorcycle seen by the Petersen Automotive Museum to become one of the motorozed vehicle art works on display. In our opinion, this modified motorcycle has a high artistic taste that is reflected during the manufacturing process. And what do you think?
Kept
spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay
alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so
does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PAPNMAM MODIFIED ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Nusantara Maritime Legacy - In the northern coastal region of Java lies Punjulharjo, a village known for its extensive salt ponds that have long provided a livelihood for its residents. For years, the rhythms of this village were dictated by salt production, a seemingly mundane yet essential craft. However, Punjulharjo's quiet reputation transformed overnight into one of historical intrigue following the discovery of an ancient boat skeleton beneath the village soil.
The current condition of the Ancient Boat of Rembang reflects meticulous restoration efforts, ensuring its preservation as a valuable historical artifact and a symbol of Indonesia's rich maritime heritage. (Picture from: Punjulharjo-Rembang.Desa.id)
This extraordinary chapter began on July 26, 2008. While excavating land to expand a salt pond, local villagers unexpectedly unearthed the remains of a wooden vessel at a depth of two meters. The boat, positioned in an east-west orientation, immediately piqued the curiosity of the community. The find quickly captured the attention of archaeologists and cultural preservationists from institutions like the Central Java Archaeological Heritage Conservation Center (Balai Pelestarian Peninggalan Purbakala / BP3), the Yogyakarta Archaeology Center (Balai Arkeologi Yogyakarta), and the Borobudur Heritage Conservation Center (Balai Konservasi Peninggalan Borobudur), the Directorate of Underwater Heritage (Direktorat Peninggalan Bawah Air). These organizations embarked on a meticulous investigation to uncover the story behind the remarkable discovery.
The Ancient Boat of Rembang, carefully restored to preserve its historical significance, stands as a testament to the advanced maritime craftsmanship of its time. (Picture from: Yusuf Ikrom On X)
Initial studies indicated that the boat's construction was characteristic of Nusantara craftsmanship, dispelling theories of its origin being linked to Chinese maritime activities. This was further supported by the identification of its primary material: ironwood, a robust timber sourced from the forests of Borneo. Though speculation initially tied the boat to the Majapahit era, subsequent carbon dating revealed an even older provenance. The results pointed to the 7th century AD, positioning the boat as a relic from a time when Java's ancient Mataram kingdom and Sumatra's Srivijaya empire were beginning to flourish. This dating also places the vessel as centuries older than Borobudur Temple, which emerged in the 9th century AD.
The ancient boat skeleton was found to be in a condition that showcased remarkable structural integrity despite its age, as seen in images captured during its excavation and subsequent restoration. (Picture from: Yusuf Ikrom On X)
The discovery was more than just the wooden framework of an ancient ship. Within the structure, archaeologists uncovered an array of artifacts: the head of a female figure carved in stone, believed to resemble Chinese features, fragments of a wooden stick, skeletal remains, and various kitchen tools. These items hint at the ship’s historical context and the lives it may have touched. The exact purpose of the boat remains a subject of scholarly debate. Its proportions—approximately 15 meters in length and 5 meters in width—suggest that it might have been a trading vessel capable of enduring long voyages, possibly traversing routes between Java and Sumatra.
The ancient boat skeleton contained a variety of artifacts, including a stone-carved female figure resembling Chinese features, wooden stick fragments, skeletal remains, and kitchen tools. (Picture from: Yusuf Ikrom On X)
The significance of this discovery extends beyond the physical remnants of the boat. It serves as a vivid reminder of the maritime prowess and cultural sophistication that characterized early Javanese civilization. The meticulous craftsmanship and the strategic choice of materials underscore the advanced technological and navigational knowledge possessed by the region's inhabitants. Moreover, the boat's association with significant historical periods such as the early Srivijaya and Mataram eras highlights the interconnectedness of Nusantara’s ancient kingdoms and their role in shaping Southeast Asian history.
The condition of the boat when it was discovered in 2008 was remarkably well-preserved, retaining much of its original structure despite being buried for centuries. (Picture from: Punjulharjo-Rembang.Desa.id)
Acknowledging its significant historical importance, the ancient boat site was officially declared a national cultural heritage on June 22, 2010, under a decree by Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism (PM.57/PW.007/MKP/2010). Today, Punjulharjo village embraces a unique dual identity: a thriving salt-producing community and the guardian of a monumental artifact that connects the present to a rich maritime heritage.
For visitors and history enthusiasts, the boat is not just an artifact; it is a tangible link to an era of exploration, trade, and cultural exchange. Punjulharjo’s salt ponds may still shimmer under the sun, but it is the buried treasure from centuries past that truly illuminates this humble village's place in the vast narrative of human history. *** [EKA [03122024] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | YUSUF IKROM ON X | PUNJULHARJO-RENBANG.DESA.ID ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
After completion, Dakodok was then included in several local and abroad custom car contests and managed to win several prestigious titles such as 1st place in the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Indonesia 2022 event, then 1st place in Hot Wheels Fan Favorite Asia Pacific held by World Hot Wheels Legend.
