Tambek as Traditional Fish Trapping Techniques: The Role of Stone Tidal Fish Weirs in Bawean Island Indonesia’s Maritime Culture

This research investigates tambek, a traditional form of stone tidal fish weirs found on Bawean Island, Indonesia, representing an Indigenous response to coastal tidal dynamics for harvesting fish. The study integrates archaeological fieldwork, ethnographic interviews, historical documentation, and comparative analyses with similar Southeast Asian traditions. Two key issues are explored: the typology and morphological characteristics of tambek and their relationship with the broader maritime cultural landscape of Bawean. Field surveys identified four distinct structural types and revealed complex networks of tambek, providing valuable insights into traditional construction methods, ecological knowledge, and the historical use of intertidal resources. The results underline the significant role of tambek within the local socioeconomic and cultural systems, while also reflecting the transformations of traditional practices under modern influences. This study contributes to an increasing research focus on Southeast Asian maritime archaeology and underscores the importance of integrating local knowledge in heritage preservation efforts.