Since the 1500s, Muslims from Makassar Indonesia came to Australia and forged bonds of trade, friendship and family with Aboriginal people. Known as Makassans, they would sail to Australia using the westerly winds and return 5 months later. This relationship spanned over hundreds of years, and is a relationship that ought to be acknowledged and celebrated especially in an age where the chants “go back to where you come from” are consistently heard. The relationship is one in which Aboriginal and Indonesian people are proud of and one with the potential to create immense good. During the period of this relationship, Aboriginal people and Makassans married and had children and the family connections are still in existence to this day. Their remnants still span the North of Australia with Tamarind trees spanning a vast region. These detail will feature in the film.​

The Film

There are a number of equally important objectives in this film. One of these is to create a sense of belonging and identity achieved through narrating the true story of the connection of Aboriginal people and Muslim Makassans. Such a potent narrative counters racist narratives and opens the way of dialogue and discussion. The film will leave the viewer asking the question, why isn’t the history of Macassan and Aboriginal people unknown? Why is it not acknowledged or taught in schools? At one stage, the Australian story looked more of a mixed relations. Another objective is to set upright the footing of “coming to know one another.” How does society prosper if the concept of “coming to know another” is not found? Only when we know each other and sit comfortably with our differences can society really expel destructive elements which should have no place in any civil society. We anticipate that for generations to come, the impact of this film and ship will persist. 

The film will be released in June 2020. Abu Hanifa Institute, a not for profit organisation is producing the film and ship. The team heading the project works voluntarily giving their personal time to bring the project to its fruition.

We are Building a Ship

We are building a ship which will feature as part of a feature-length documentary about Aboriginal people in Australia and Muslims from Makassar Indonesia. This relationship spanned over hundreds of years before European presence on the Australian continent. The ship will set “sail” from Makassar Indonesia to Arnhem Land Australia in December 2019 or January 2020. 

Archaeology

Archaeological site from Arnhem Land has radiocarbon beeswax overlaying a painting of a Makassar prau and has determined the length of time to be from the 1500s. There is much detail to tell in this facet, which will be outlined in the film documentary. 

Your Impact

How is a positive discussion about issues affecting Muslims and non-Muslims measured? If one person alters their perception and negative talk about a people, the benefit is forever. Your donation will be significant to all Muslims and non-Muslims especially in light of the objectives listed above. Seen from this vantage point, the responsibility is apparent.

Where will the funds go?

The funds will go towards the completion of the film (which has already commenced) and toward finishing the construction of the ship. There are also costs associated with both of these elements, such as the professional cinematographers and crewmen sailing the ship to Australia. Further to that is the secondment of an academic who will finalise an essential and major text to be released in conjunction with the screening of the film. Abu Hanifa Institute is a not for profit organisation. The team bringing the project to fruition are working in a voluntary capacity. See the break-down of funds below:

1. Malarrak Arnhem Land $30,000 

The region has beeswax overlaying a Makassan prau, which has been radiocarbon dated to the 1500s. The site is difficult to get to and 12 people are required to attend including the cinematographers. This cost entails transportation of people to the destination which will include the use of a helicopter, local land fees, wages to cinematographers, travel costs for youth and team, and associated costs of being at the destination.

2. Sulawesi $30,000 

The project hinges upon this location in Indonesia. The entire team including the young boys from the first project and girls who have joined the project must attend. This cost entails transportation of people to the destination, wages to cinematographers, local people, travel costs for youth and team, ship fees, and associated costs of being at the destination.

3. Bawaka $100,000

This is the place at which the vessel (prau) will travel to. At this location, the youth and team including all the Aboriginal elders associated with the project will be in attendance. There are elements at this location which are critical to the making of this project. This cost entails wages to crewmen, local people, travel costs of Aboriginal elders, youth travel, land fees, and associated costs of being at the destination.

Time-line

In December 2019 or January 2020, the ship will set sail to Australia and in June 2020, the film will be completed screening in film festivals and major cinemas.

How can you help?

You can raise awareness by telling your friends and family about this project and contributing what you can. You can share this campaign with your friends and on your social media.