JATENG PR – Thailand is not just about sparkling Bangkok or Phuket.
Behind the beauty of the limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay, there is a unique settlement that has strong emotional ties to Indonesia, especially the Land of Java.
The place is called Koh Panyi. A fishing village where all the buildings stand firmly on piles in the middle of the sea.
However, who would have thought that this village, which is now a world tourist destination, was the work of Muslim migrants from Java hundreds of years ago.
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The History Behind the Prohibition of Land Ownership
The story of Koh Panyi begins about 200 years ago.
Based on circulating historical records, there were three families of Muslim fishermen from Java who sailed far away from their homeland in search of waters rich in fish.
When they arrived at Phang Nga Bay, they found a location with great potential.
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However, there was one big obstacle: Thai law at that time prohibited foreigners from owning land on the mainland.
Not losing their minds, these Javanese migrants decided to stay put in a clever way.
They staked wooden poles in shallow water and built houses on them. This is the forerunner of the floating village which is now inhabited by thousands of people.
Independent Living on the Water
Even though it stands on the sea, the facilities at Koh Panyi are very complete.
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This village is not just a collection of fishing huts, but an independent community that has:
Majestic Mosque: Becomes the center of worship activities and a symbol of Islamic identity that has been maintained since it was brought from Java.
School: Where the younger generation receives education.
Markets and Restaurants: Economic centers that now serve many foreign tourists.
Floating Football Field: One of the most famous icons in the world, which was born from the enthusiasm of village children who wanted to play football even though they didn’t have a field.
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Acculturated Identity
As time goes by, the face of Koh Panyi is increasingly integrated with local Thai culture.
The younger generation is now more fluent in communicating using Thai than the language of their ancestors.
Even though the physical traces of Javanese culture are starting to fade and be covered by modernization, the breath of Islam remains the main identity that differentiates them from other settlements in the surrounding area.
Koh Panyi still stands as clear evidence of the resilience of Indonesian sailors in conquering the limitations of other countries.
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For visiting tourists, Koh Panyi is not just a beautiful photo object, but a living monument of longing, adaptation and the long history of Indonesia-Thailand relations that transcends land borders.***
