The building process in South Celebes.
Adel and Piton - Their last vacation together in Japan, Nov 2018.
Erli (Adel’s sister) and PITON at Hongkong, 2018
taken at Labuan Bajo, 2016 - This is PITON :)
THE STORY OF PAPITON
Every meaningful journey begins with a dream.
Several years ago, at the age of 22, I visited a traditional Phinisi boat-building village in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Standing aboard a vessel under construction, I was struck by the craftsmanship and heritage behind these boats. In that moment, I quietly thought about what it would mean to one day own and build one myself.
At the time, the idea felt distant.
Over the following years, I worked, traveled extensively, and gained experience across different countries and cultures. These journeys shaped my perspective, both personally and professionally, and deepened my appreciation for exploration and the sea.
In March 2017, my life took an unexpected turn with the passing of my father. His influence, values, and support had always been central to who I am. Losing him was a defining moment that led me to reassess my direction and priorities.
A year before his passing, I had shared with him the idea of building a boat together, combining my involvement in the travel industry with his passion for fishing. Although we never had the opportunity to realize that plan together, the idea stayed with me.
With time and reflection, I decided to move forward with that vision.
With the support of skilled craftsmen and dedicated partners, the project came to life. Over approximately nine months, the boats were designed and built, navigating both technical and logistical challenges along the way. What carried the project through was a shared commitment to quality, tradition, and purpose.
This is how the first Papiton was created.
The name Papiton is derived from a personal place: “Papi,” the name I called my father, and “Anton,” his given name. Together, they represent respect, continuity, and legacy.
Today, Papiton stands as a reflection of craftsmanship, intention, and a long-held idea brought into reality. More than boats, Papiton represents a commitment to creating meaningful experiences on the water, built with care, heritage, and long-term vision. Now, Papiton family has grown to four vessels, Papiton Lopi, Papiton Duwa, Papiton Dive, and Papiton Allo. They’re all here because of a single dream.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about the story behind Papiton. We believe that with patience, dedication, and belief in the process, even long-standing ideas can become something lasting.
With love,
Adel - Founder of Papiton