10 November 2024
The sky above Pasturi, a small island amidst the waters of Kawasi, is clear. After two days of choppy waves, the sea this morning is calm. The dive team can finally carry out their activities at the blue hole—a patch of deep blue water surrounded by white sand.
On this morning (August 16, 2024), divers from Harita Nickel’s various business units are about to raise the Red and White flag beneath the sea. This initiative, part of Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day celebrations, symbolizes the company's commitment to preserving the waters around Obi Island.
Jesaya Alfredo, Marine Environment Supervisor at PT Halmahera Persada Lygend, explains that Pasturi's sandy waters are one of three points included in Harita Nickel’s coral reef restoration program. Since its launch in 2021, a total of 1,696 artificial coral reefs have been placed. These cube-shaped, hollow coral structures, made from nickel slag byproducts, have since become home to marine life as natural corals grow on them.
“Why is the water in Kadera calmer than in Pasturi?” Jesaya asks rhetorically. “That’s because Kadera is shielded by several islands, while Pasturi's waters are exposed to the open sea.”
An alumnus of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), where he studied oceanography, Jesaya explains that waves are influenced by both weather and season. He elaborates that Indonesia’s waters experience two primary seasons: west and east. August falls within the eastern season, where the monsoon winds blow from Australia to Asia from April to October.
He goes on to describe the unique nature of Obi’s waters, which, like much of Eastern Indonesia, boast deep seas and breathtaking underwater views. More than that, Obi’s waters are particularly productive due to the meeting of two major ocean currents—the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
“This convergence is known as Arlindo,” Jesaya says, “and one of its entry points is through the waters of eastern Indonesia, including Obi. Here, you’ll find plenty of fish with high economic value, though they’re far offshore.”
Back to Pasturi, the divers from Harita Nickel’s business units have returned here several times over the past three days, determined to complete their dives. Although they could have been content with diving in Kadera—another small island near the village of Laiwui—their sights were set on Pasturi.
“Why are they so eager to dive in Pasturi?” Jesaya smiles. “Besides the stunning underwater views, the blue hole here has much clearer water.”
Remarkably, despite being near the operations of a mining and nickel processing company, the waters of Kawasi remain well-preserved. Thanks in large part to the diligent efforts of Harita Nickel’s Environmental Marine team, of which Jesaya is a key member.
The core mission of the Marine Environmental division is to monitor the waters surrounding the company’s operations. This includes regular checks on marine ecology and water quality. On the ecology front, their routine involves monitoring the growth of coral reefs and identifying the various species of fish in the area. They also keep tabs on meteorological and oceanographic conditions. As for water quality, the team conducts tests on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis.
To support these efforts, the team is equipped with advanced tools. Among them is a seawater sampling device outfitted with a CTD meter (conductivity, temperature, and depth) to measure ocean water profiles, and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) used to inspect underwater structures like piers and pipelines, as well as aquatic environments inaccessible to divers.
“Management has been incredibly supportive, providing us with the necessary equipment. On top of that, they offer us opportunities to enhance our skills through training and certifications,” Jesaya says.
He reflects on the journey that began in 2019, noting how his role has allowed him to delve deeper into the knowledge he gained in school. He feels fortunate to be pursuing a career that aligns with his passion. For him, the sea is a vital source of life, not just for the creatures within it, but also for humans on land.
“The challenge is that Harita Nickel’s operations are so close to the ocean, which means we have to work extra hard to preserve it. But thankfully, we’ve been able to show results,” he says, expressing pride in being part of a company so committed to environmental preservation.
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