A lancang (also written lanchang or lancha) is a type of sailing ship from Maritime Southeast Asia. It is used as warship, lighter, and as royal ship, particularly used by the people of Sumatran east coast,[1]: 579 but can also be found in the coast of Kalimantan.[2]: 193–194
The name comes from the Malay word lancang which means "swift".[3]: 261
The earliest mention of the lancang is from Julah inscription dated 844 Saka (923 AD), which explains the orders of the King Sri Ugrasena on certain rules. The inscription mentions terms for boats such as "lancang", "parahu", "jukung", "talaka", "bahitra", and "jong".[4]: 316, 376 It is the oldest form of boat building in the Indonesian archipelago and has been recorded in Gilimanuk, Bali. The boat builders are known as undagi lancang.[5][2]: 56 According to the Ngantang inscription, lancang were also used in Majapahit-controlled areas. The lancang of this era has no sails.[6][2]: 72, 77, 81, 139, 193–194
Lancang have overhanging square sterns above a sharp waterline stern.[1]: 579 Lancang usually have 2 masts, but single and tri-masted vessels are also recorded.[1]: 579 Historically they were steered using double quarter rudders, but in the 18th century they also used axial rudders mounted at the sternpost.[7]: 254 The smallest lancang were 5 depa (9.1 m) long, with a 1 depa (1.8 m) beam, draft of 1.5 ft (46 cm), and a 4 ft (1.2 m) freeboard. These smaller boats could carry cargo of around 5 pikul (312.5 kg) and were crewed by 4 men,[1]: 583 while the largest may have reached about 26 m long, based on the Sambirejo shipwreck.[3]: 261 Lancang from older era is rigged using tanja sails, but dipping lug sails or fore-and-aft sails are used after the arrival of the European. Lancang has "clipper" bow, with triangular fore-gallery for anchor, which also acts as bowsprit. Headsails may be used at the bow. The hull is carvel-built, built with style very similar to European ships. They are usually armed with pivot guns.[1]: 579
In Bandar, Malaysia, a type of lancang called lancang To'Aru is built.[Note 1] It is similar to lancang in hull, but with projecting or hanging rectangular platform over the bow, in which two swivel guns are mounted. The sail is using fore-and-aft sail in gaff and boom on two masts. Boats which such rig on the east coast of Malaya generally carry long topmasts and jib-booms for light-weather sails.[1]: 580
Lancang were primarily used for war[8]: 122 and as merchant vessels. Portuguese records mentioned their use as barges or lighters.[9]: 189–190 The intercourse with European people decreased Singaporean piracy in 1820s, although it still exist, using smaller ships than formerly used, for several decades to come. Around Singaporean waters, Malay pirates used lanchang carrying 25–30 men, with shallow draft, making them easy to conceal in mangroves. They generally used lancang between 15 and 18 m long, 3.4–4 m in beam, and with 1.5–2.1 m draft.[10]: 377
In the 20th century, Malay states used lancang as cargo boats.[11]: 355–356 Along the Sumatran coast, ethnic Malay rajas (kings) used them as state ships.[1]: 579 In Selangor, this royal vessel is dedicated to the service of the spirits, also called kapal hantu (ghost ship), which are laden with offerings, then set adrift to propitiate the demons of the sea.[1]: 579–580 [8]: 122 In Sumatra and Kalimantan, lancang play an important role in harvesting ceremonies and sometimes the boats are used in offering ceremonies to the god. Sometimes dragon heads are carved on the bow as a representation of power that maintains humans' safety.[2]: 193–194
In Riau, Indonesia, a traditional story of the lancang kuning (yellow lancang) was taken as a metaphor for the ruler's power and the state. A popular (poem) explains this:[12]: 12–13
Lancang kuning berlayar malam
Haluan menuju ke laut dalam
Kalau nakhoda kurang paham
Alamat kapal akan tenggelam
Translation:
The lancang kuning sails at night
Her bows towards high seas
If her skipper is ignorant
She is bound to be wrecked
