By: Putu Suastawa (Wakatobi National Park Center)

Through this writing, I would like to say greetings from Wakatobi, where Menami is from. Before others arrived on this ship, I have been in Menami since sailing from Wakatobi to Kendari.

I had been on this ship since it left Wakatobi on the afternoon of October 12, and arrived in Kendari at nine in the morning the next day. I had already slept in the room - a mattress down the port side of the ship - before the room filled up with participants.

We were in Menami, waiting for all the expedition participants to gather while anchored in front of the Wawonii Ferry Port. Until finally, on the morning of October 15, the event was officially opened.

I was happy to support the expedition, and to get to know all the conservationists in #XPDCSULTRA. Four districts and one city - Kendari, we explored together. Starting from North Konawe Regency, Konawe Islands Regency, Konawe Regency, and South Konawe Regency.

The weather is not perfect every day. There are times, rain and wind too. But, it doesn't seem to be an obstacle for the divers to carry out data collection activities in XPDCSULTRA.

There was one day when it rained for a long time. Two days ago, the day before data collection ended. From the first to the last dive, that day impressed us the most. That was when we had to dive in the rain - on the third dive at site 4 Wawonii Island, Konawe Islands Regency.

At that time, the team started to feel cold and wanted to finish quickly and return to the boat. Actually, sih, diving in the rain for divers is no challenge because the temperature underwater is quite warm. It's just that the fatigue factor is an obstacle for divers.

Today, this activity was finally completed, right on schedule. With the various obstacles we faced, I am proud that all team members still showed their spirit.

I am indeed Balinese. But I grew up in this land - Wakatobi. In the Bajo language, there is something called, "Lamao nggae kita, sai again?" In Indonesian, it means, "If not us, who else?"

For us divers and conservationists, this slogan is also an encouragement to keep Indonesia's waters sustainable.

For #XPDCSULTRA participants, this phrase also applies. If not us, who else will take action, so that the sea and its wealth can be enjoyed for generations to come. If everyone thinks the same way - if not us, who - then surely our nature will be preserved.

Through this article, I would also like to thank the organizing committee - WWF-Indonesia together with Reef Check Indonesia, along with the Menami Ship, Simba speed boat and the entire crew, who have helped this activity to completion. Hopefully, what we have done during these 12 days will be useful for all - especially Indonesia.