Maritime History as a Contextual Learning Resource for Diversity and Nusantara Identity

Abstract

Maritime history provides a powerful context for understanding interregional connectivity, cultural exchange, the spread of religions, and the formation of Indonesian identity, yet maritime topics are often taught as fragmented factual information. This article interprets the maritime history of the Nusantara as a contextual learning resource for developing students' understanding of diversity and identity. The study uses a descriptive qualitative literature review of maritime historiography and educational scholarship. The analysis focuses on three themes: seafaring as an economic connector, ports as sites of social and cultural encounter, and sea routes as channels for the transmission of religion, language, knowledge, and technology. The review shows that maritime history can help students understand Nusantara identity as a product of historical interaction rather than a fixed inheritance. Maritime materials also support source-based learning through maps, port case studies, trade artifacts, local histories, and inquiry projects. The article argues that maritime history should be positioned as a cross-thematic learning resource in social studies and history. It recommends learning that moves beyond memorizing routes, kingdoms, and commodities toward analyzing relationships among mobility, cultural exchange, power, and the historical formation of plural societies.