"Sasi Co-Management Strengthens the Capacities in Marine Resource Management"

Through the GEF6 project, CFI Indonesia, in collaboration with the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office (DKP) of Wondama Bay Regency, organized a four-day diving training in Wondama Bay. This activity aimed to strengthen the capacity of community groups and civil servants (ASN) in sustainable marine and fisheries resource management, as part of the project’s efforts to enhance Sasi Co-Management. (May 22–27, 2025)

The training for the Diving Skills Certification for Sasi Manager Groups and Regional Civil Servants (ASN) was officially opened by the Vice Regent of Wondama Bay, Anthonius Alex Marani, at the District Office Hall in Wasior (May 22, 2025)

The training was officially opened at Wasior District Office Hall by Vice Regent of Wondama Bay, Anthonius Alex Marani. In his remarks, he expressed appreciation for the training, emphasizing its importance in supporting safety, marine conservation, and marine tourism promotion.

“It is hoped that participants will not only gain diving skills but also become tourism ambassadors and front-liners in protecting Wondama’s marine ecosystems,” he stated.

The training was attended by 21 participants, consisting of 13 Sasi groups’ members, 4 DKP Wondama Bay staff, and 4 representatives from the PMU team of CFI Indonesia. The program began with a theory session delivered by diving instructor Wahyu Mulyono, followed by three days of practical diving sessions at sea.

Wahyu expressed his pride in contributing to the training. “I’m proud to share my knowledge and experience through this training. The participants’ enthusiasm was outstanding. I hope the knowledge and skills they’ve gained can be put to good use, especially in supporting marine conservation and resource management in Wondama,” he said.

A field practice conducted on Numamuren Island, Teluk Duairi District, Teluk Wondama Regency in The Diving Skills Certification training for the Sasi Management Group and Regional Government Apparatus (ASN) (May 22 to 27, 2025)

The diving practice was part of the effort to strengthen the implementation of Sasi Co-Management. Sasi is a traditional community-based natural resource management system passed down through generations. It involves closing and reopening certain marine areas at set times to ensure the sustainability of marine resources.

According to Faridatun Amalia Hasanah, Gender and Safeguard Specialist from CFI Indonesia, this training is part of a series of CFI activities that have been ongoing for nearly five years in Wondama Bay.
“This training not only supports conservation but also promotes best practices such as Sasi Label and Sasi Co-Management, which we aim to introduce both nationally and internationally—ranging from institutional strengthening, capacity building, to marketing strategies,” she explained.

Appreciation was also expressed by Adam F. Saiya, a representative of Wondama Bay DKP. “As one of the GEF6: CFI Indonesia partners, we truly appreciate this project that consistently supports conservation activities as a form of concern for the local fisheries. This partnership is highly beneficial and has made a real impact on Sasi groups in various villages. We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to GEF6 that the activities include not only male fishers but also women fishers,” he said.

The closing of the Diving Skills Certification Training for SASI Manager Groups and Regional Civil Servants on Numamuren Island, Teluk Duari District, Wondama Bay Regency (May 27, 2025).

Throughout the training, participants expressed enthusiasm and gratitude for acquiring new skills. Many of them were already familiar with traditional diving (molo), which has its limitations. With this training, participants are now able to dive more safely and efficiently for marine resources monitoring and exploration purposes.

Mersila Wonemiseba, a participant from the Sasi Menarbu group, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity.
“This was my first experience using diving gear. The knowledge is very useful, and I hope we can apply it to help protect our island and local fisheries,” she said.

Thonci Alfius Somisa from the Sasi Windesi tourism group shared a similar sentiment.
“Thank you for the knowledge shared and opportunity given. Usually, we only guide tourists, but now we can dive ourselves. Hopefully, we can develop this further to support our marine tourism,” he said.

This activity represents a strategic step in the implementation of Co-Management, aiming to strengthen the capacity of the Wondama Bay community to sustainably protect, manage, and utilize their marine wealth, while also expanding economic opportunities through local fisheries and tourism sectors.