The gentle blowing of the wind, the sound of gurgling water, and the clear blue sea are daily experiences for fish and seaweed fishermen in Kabola District, Alor. Not infrequently, they are approached by one of the inhabitants of Kabola waters who often swims near the boat calmly, as if not afraid of human presence. The names vary, from sea cows to dugongs.

Dugong (Dugong dugon)is one of the many species of marine mammals that can be found in Indonesia, one of which is located in the Pantar Strait Marine Nature Reserve (SAP) MPA. Through Government Regulation (PP) No. 7 of 1999, dugong has been designated as a fully protected animal in Indonesia and all forms of utilization are strictly prohibited. Unfortunately, the existence of dugong in nature is increasingly difficult to find. The decline in the dugong population can be caused by pollutant contamination in the sea, stranding, entanglement in nets, poaching, and habitat loss.

Like other conservation areas, the Pantar Strait SAP MPA is divided into several areas based on their functions, including core zones and protection zones that are dugong habitats. This is a special attraction for local and foreign tourists visiting the Kabola waters of the SAP Selat Pantar MPA. Therefore, routine surveillance activities are carried out around the Pantar Strait SAP MPA to ensure that no habitat destruction activities are carried out.

Since its formation in 2011 and then formalized in Kabola Village Head Decree No. 12 of 2021, the 16-member Sinar Kabola Community Supervisory Group (Pokmaswas) has actively participated in assisting the Alor Branch Office of the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Maritime and Fisheries Service (KCD Alor) to carry out community-based monitoring functions on the coast and sea around the SAP Selat Pantar MPA, against destructive fisheries activities and specifically monitoring in dugong habitat and emergence areas.

After 10 years, this group has gone through an extraordinary journey in carrying out its duties as a community watchdog. Legally, the SK of this group is no longer valid since the existence of Law 23 of 2014 concerning Regional Government (the legality of the SK has shifted to the Provincial Government). However, in terms of responsibility, Pokmaswas Sinar Kabola continues to carry out its roles and functions to carry out the 3 M tasks (Seeing, Recording, and Reporting). In addition to conducting surveillance, Pokmaswas Sinar Kabola, Mr. Sardin Lotang and several Pokmawas members are also members of the Kabola Fishermen Communication Forum (FKNK) group to take tourists for dugong observation tours in Kabola waters.

In the development of Pokmaswas, the ultimate goal is that Pokmaswas can be independent. In terms of stages, the current status of Pokmaswas Sinar Kabola is at the Initial Stage. Legally, Pokmaswas Kabola is currently in the process of being inaugurated by the Head of the Marine and Fisheries Service of NTT Province.

On 19 September 2021, Sardin Lontang, who is the Chairperson of Pokmaswas Sinar Kabola, contacted the Management Organization Unit (SUOP) of the SAP Selat Pantar MPA regarding reports of foreign vessels entering Kabola waters. After being visited, this Australian ship was about to sail from West Nusa Tenggara to Maluku. However, due to engine damage, the ship was forced to enter the protection zone of the Pantar Strait SAP MPA. Pokmaswas Sinar Kabola socialized with the crew about the protection zone in Kabola waters, which is a habitat for dugong and adjacent to the core zone on Sika Island. After going through the socialization process, the ship was directed to the nearest dock, Maimol Dock, Kabola to get the necessary repairs.

The Sinar Kabola Pokmaswas is one of the three Pokmaswas groups (Sinar Kabola Group, Floating Island Group, and Blang Merang Group) assisted by WWF Indonesia Foundation in Alor Regency. WWF Indonesia Foundation collaborates with SUOP KKPD SAP Selat Pantar to support the development of Pokmaswas towards an independent stage. One of the collaboration activities carried out is Pokmaswas training, assistance in updating the Group Decree, and being involved in Resource Use Monitoring (RUM) with all members of SUOP KKPD SAP Selat Pantar. Pokmaswas Sinar Kabola is one example of a joint effort from coastal communities to support the government and authorities in preserving the environment and the habitats and life in it.