The ocean gives endlessly, asking only for our care in return. Together, we can protect its beauty and sustain its life.
A Guardian of the Sea
As someone deeply concerned about the environment, I’ve always been drawn to the stories of people who dedicate their lives to protecting our planet. It’s a passion we share — a conviction that the natural world, in all its fragile beauty, must be preserved, not only for us but for generations to come. This is how I came to learn about David Hidayat, a young man from Sungai Pinang, West Sumatra. David’s work in conservation, specifically his efforts to protect Indonesia’s invaluable coral reefs, is a testament to how one person’s resolve can inspire a whole community.
Living in Indonesia, I’m constantly reminded of the incredible riches beneath our waters. This country is blessed with marine diversity that’s almost unparalleled, a network of coral reefs spanning from west to east that accounts for a staggering 27% of the world’s coral. It's a breathtaking sight, one that many around the world travel here to see. But more than just beauty, these reefs provide sustenance and livelihood to millions.
Like David, I too am grateful for the bounty of the sea — from the fish I savor each day to the income it provides so many families. The ocean is a source of life, and for David, it’s become a calling.
A Calling Born in Sungai Pinang
David Hidayat grew up in Nagari Sungai Pinang, a small village nestled along West Sumatra’s southern coast. It’s a place where the ocean feels like part of the family — its clear waters, soft white sand, and diverse coral reefs create an enchanting landscape that locals and visitors alike can’t help but fall in love with. But for David, this bond with the sea runs deeper than admiration; it’s a part of him. He grew up alongside fishermen, learning the rhythms of the tides, the seasons of fish, and the stories the waves whispered.
But with this love came a growing fear. Over time, David saw the waters of his beloved village change. Coral reefs that were once vibrant began to deteriorate, and fish that used to be plentiful became scarce. The threat wasn’t distant; it was right at their shorelines, creeping slowly but relentlessly into the heart of their livelihoods.
A Pledge to Protect the Ocean
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| Translation of the photo narrative: Together with Andespin Deep West Sumatera (David Hidayat), BPSPL Padang monitors the growth of coral seedlings at the coral stock center in Batu Kajang waters, South Coast. The team cleans coral fragments on 25 iron racks and 51 concrete racks from algae and coral-eating organisms. Additionally, they strengthen the binding ropes and take photos of the corals for growth analysis. |
David didn’t wait for someone else to act. With a determination born of both love and concern, he began to take matters into his own hands. After pursuing his studies and gathering all the knowledge he could about marine conservation, David returned to Sungai Pinang. His mission was clear: to not only restore the coral reefs but to spark a movement within his community — a shared responsibility to protect their ocean.
He knew he couldn’t do it alone. David saw that meaningful change would require a collective effort, so he started reaching out to his neighbors, educating them about the threats to their waters and the possibilities for preservation. For David, conservation was never just about saving the coral; it was about protecting the heritage and livelihoods of his community. The ocean is a gift, and he understood that its preservation is a duty shared by all who benefit from it.
The Birth of a Movement
In 2014, David launched an environmental initiative on the shores of West Sumatra. His first steps were literal ones: he plunged into the waters himself, beginning the delicate work of restoring damaged reefs. With each dive, he worked to revive the underwater ecosystem, knowing that a healthy reef means a healthy fish population, which in turn supports the entire coastal economy. David’s hands-on approach inspired others. Before long, he had gathered a small team of local divers, fishermen, and volunteers who were equally eager to play a role in protecting their home.
Through his conservation programs, David not only addressed environmental concerns but also fostered economic resilience within the community. Recognizing the value of sustainable practices, he introduced opportunities for locals to participate in eco-tourism and sustainable fishing, thus creating an alternative income that would reduce the pressure on the reef. In this way, David’s project became a model of sustainable development, where economic growth and environmental preservation go hand in hand. It’s a vision of sustainability that resonates deeply with me — one that prioritizes people, place, and purpose in equal measure.
A Personal Mission That Speaks to Us All
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David’s story reminds me of the larger message behind conservation: that when we protect the earth, we protect each other. As David worked tirelessly to safeguard the reefs, he was also building a future for his community — a future where nature and people can thrive together. The phrase “Bersama, Berkarya, Berkelanjutan” (Together, Creating, Sustainable) perfectly encapsulates this ethos. It’s not just about what we do individually; it’s about what we can achieve together, a belief that resonates profoundly in David’s journey.
His work also calls out to each of us to consider what we might do in our own lives. Just as David found his purpose in Sungai Pinang’s waters, there are places and causes around us that need our care. I often think about how small actions, when taken up by many, have the power to create monumental shifts. Conservation, in its essence, is an act of love, a gesture of gratitude to the earth for all it provides.
Indonesia’s reefs, from Bunaken to Wakatobi, Komodo to Raja Ampat, are more than just beautiful. They are resilient, surviving storms, rising temperatures, and human impact. Yet, their resilience is not limitless. The statistics tell us this — in West Sumatra, for example, research from the Center for Oceanographic Studies shows that over 42% of coral reefs are now classified as poor. David’s work, and that of others like him, is a reminder that these ecosystems need our active protection to continue providing the life they so generously sustain.
When I see what David has accomplished, I feel a renewed sense of responsibility. Each reef restored, each community member educated, each small effort to reduce waste — these are victories in a larger battle for our planet. Through his example, David teaches us that conservation isn’t just for scientists or policymakers; it’s for all of us.
The Road Ahead: A Shared Legacy
As I write this, I’m struck by the thought that the ocean has always given us so freely, yet it asks so little in return. It gives us food, livelihoods, breathtaking beauty, and even the oxygen we breathe. The least we can do is give it the respect and care it deserves. David Hidayat’s journey in Sungai Pinang may have started as one man’s mission, but it’s blossomed into a shared legacy, one that calls on all of us to play our part.
David’s story is a powerful reminder that our efforts, no matter how small, have the potential to inspire and uplift others. Thanks to his determination and hard work, David received the SATU Indonesia Award in 2022, an honor bestowed by PT. Astra International Tbk (ASTRA) as a form of appreciation for young Indonesians up to 35 years old who engage in impactful activities across health, education, environment, entrepreneurship, and technology, benefiting communities on a large scale. For context, the name "SATU" is derived from the Indonesian phrase Semangat Astra Terpadu Untuk Indonesia, which embodies a spirit of unified action for Indonesia. This competition, which began in 2010, continues to this day, drawing thousands of participants.
If there’s one lesson I’ve taken from his example, it’s this: true sustainability is not an individual pursuit but a collective promise — a promise to ourselves, to each other, and to the earth we all call home.
Let’s walk this path together, embracing a future where “Bersama, Berkarya, Berkelanjutan” becomes a reality in every corner of our world.
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