ITK IPB University Lecturer Teaches Papuans the Ability to Dive
Recently, Dr Beginner Subhan, one of the lecturers from the Department of Marine Science and Technology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) IPB University, was invited as one of the instructors/lecturers of diving training for beginner levels in Southwest Papua. In this activity, Dr Beginner became an instructor together with Rizya Ardiwijaya from the Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation (YKAN).
This activity was carried out to strengthen the capacity of community groups in West Papua related to the preparation of local dive guides for tourism development in the region. “The development of tourism here has been rapid, but the local dive guide is not ready. If optimized, the existence of this local dive guide will benefit all parties, especially the local community. Not only are their skills improving, but diving is also becoming a livelihood field for them,” said the diving instructor from IPB University.
The total number of participants who took part in this training was 18; 17 people attended the Open Water Diver (OWD) training, and 1 person took the Advanced Open Water Diver training. All participants who took part in this training were members of the supervisory community group (Pokmaswas) and tour groups from the Werur area, Tambrauw Regency; Malaumkarta, Sorong Regency; and Misool, Raja Ampat Regency.
Rizya revealed that the implementation of this training aims to equip local communities in Southwest Papua with academic knowledge and skill experience in ponds and open seas. This knowledge and skills become the basic capital so that they can become reliable and safe divers.
“As one of the instructors in this training, I was very impressed because the participants were very enthusiastic and with their backgrounds that were typical of coastal communities. This diving training can be mastered easily,” said the YKAN conservation practitioner.
Rizya hopes that in the future, they can continue to a higher level so that they can become diving guides in their respective areas. In line with Rizya, Dr. Begin said that the potential for marine tourism in Southwest Papua is very large and will be able to improve the economy and the welfare of local communities if optimally developed from the aspects of ecology, resources, and good and sustainable management.
Yonathan Yappen, one of the trainees from Wenur, Tambrauw Regency, expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation for the knowledge that has been given so hard to the trainees. “We do not give anything of value to you, but we believe that the Almighty always accompanies you in carrying out your duties and responsibilities. For the knowledge that has been given, we thank you,” said Yonathan on a different occasion. (RAT/Zul) (IAAS/MZS)
