Thousand Islands Regency Holds Free Diving Training on Pramuka Island
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Thousand Islands Regency Government, in collaboration with Scuba Schools International (SSI), held free beginner diving training in the waters of Pramuka Island, Panggang Village, as an effort to open new economic opportunities for coastal residents.
“This activity was attended by 60 participants from six villages in the Thousand Islands area,” said the Head of the Marine and Fisheries Section of the Food Security, Marine, and Agriculture Sub-Department (KPKP) of the Thousand Islands, Gama Eka Anantha, in Jakarta on Thursday.
He stated that the training aimed to provide basic understanding of safe diving techniques while opening new economic opportunities for coastal communities.
The four-day training, from Thursday to Sunday (10/5), was attended by dozens of participants consisting of DPL-BM groups, conservation activists, and young people seeking job opportunities.
Participants received theoretical materials on basic diving techniques, equipment use, and safety procedures. Afterwards, participants conducted diving practice using diving equipment in the waters of Pramuka Island.
“This certificate can be an important provision for communities wanting to engage in the marine tourism sector or marine conservation activities,” he said.
He hoped the training would produce more professional local divers, while supporting the development of marine tourism and the preservation of marine ecosystems in the Thousand Islands.
“This training is not only an educational medium but also creates more skilled, independent coastal communities ready to compete in the continuously developing marine economy sector,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of Panggang Village, Jamaluddin, said that the community is already familiar with sea life, but diving activities still require special skills and official licences to ensure safety.
He assessed that not everyone accustomed to the sea can automatically dive safely. “Knowledge, techniques, and certification are needed so that underwater activities can be carried out according to safety standards,” he said.
Jamaluddin hoped similar activities could be carried out sustainably so that more residents have recognised official diving skills and certifications.
“Follow this training seriously; with diving skills, it can open job opportunities in tourism, conservation, or other marine activities,” he said.
A participant from Panggang Island, Sopian (27), said the training was a valuable experience for him.
According to him, the cost of diving training has so far been quite expensive, so the free training is very helpful for communities who want to have professional diving skills.
“Now I can learn directly the correct and safe diving techniques. This training is important because it can be an additional skill for finding work,” he said.