Abstract.
City of Ambon holds the evidence of colonialism as part of World War II history. Various maritime cultural activities contain historical data that can reconstruct the history of Indonesia. One example is Duke of Sparta (SS Aquila) shipwreck, located in Ambon Bay, that is well-known by local and international divers. However, underwater cultural heritage has not optimally managed, even suffers from thievery. Since underwater cultural heritage in Ambon Bay is significant to support national and international interests, this study aims to identify and record underwater cultural heritage in Ambon Bay by using Side Scan Sonar (SSS) and direct observation through diving survey. This preliminary study was conducted as the first stage of underwater cultural heritage preservation effort. The result shows findings of archaeological remains of shipwrecks and aircrafts. Some parts were incomplete, covered by coral ecosystem, and become fish habitat. High level of sedimentation has a role in disrupting the recent condition as most of the wreckages are now covered by sediment materials. Thus, preservation and protection efforts are necessary to be well-managed by central and local governments
