WHAT LIES BENEATH

MORE AND MORE INDONESIANS ARE DONNING FINS AND MASKS IN ORDER TO EXPLORE AN UNDERWATER WORLD, AS HARUMI SUPIT REPORTS

Just behind a local mall, a small group wearing wetsuits and scuba apparatus waddles towards a public pool and takes their first steps in diving - a sport steadily gaining a following among Indonesians.

Abi, an early local entrant into the sport, has operated his Jakarta dive school for 10 years. He remembers going to the Philippines for his instructor certification in the 1980s. “At that time there weren’t a lot of dive schools. It was mostly foreigners diving,” he says.

Times have changed, thanks in part to a new generation familiar with Western culture.

“I wanted to know what it’s like to live in another world,” says Andre Wibowo, 29, who says the expense prevents many others from trying.

A dive could easily cost Rp. 1 million (US$111) due to the high cost of imported equipment, as well as the need for extra water and fuel. The good news for would-be divers is that the number of reputable dive sites is growing.

Most dive operators in Indonesia go by the international PADI system to ensure safety and reliability. Check out www.padi.com to see if the dive center you have in mind is registered. PADI 5 star and
Gold Palms are awarded to centers with better facilities and service.

A basic course combines a diving safety theory portion with five practice dives in a swimming pool, followed by four ocean dives under an instructor’s supervision, then a final test. Students learn practical skills like the effect of water pressure on the body and how to clear a fogged mask under water. Four days is the minimum needed, but you can take longer too. Expect course costs upwards of Rp. 4 million (US$442), including ocean dives and equipment.

Despite its extreme reputation, diving is suitable for just about anyone in decent health. You must be able to swim 200 meters unaided (or 300 meters in mask, fins and snorkel) but there is no time limit. You must also be able to stay afloat for 10 minutes using any method you want.

The thrill is worth any early nerves. Once in the water, your initial fears fade quickly with the thrill of breathing underwater. Your instructor or buddy is always by your side – and you can decide to resurface at any time. Indonesia’s marine biodiversity is particularly rich, with over 2,000 species of fish and about 80 per cent of the world’s coral reefs.

Unfortunately, dive tourism can also put pressure on local resources. Reputable dive operators practice conservation and reef care, eager that Indonesia – which boasts world-renowned dive sites like Bunaken and the remote Raja Ampat site – preserves its underwater heritage.

Juliana Wilson, a recent scuba initiate, describes the thrill of the dive: “It’s the most peaceful sport I know outside of yoga. It makes you happy.”

Hopefully more Indonesians can enjoy their own eye-opening view of the ocean’s depths very soon.

Dive centers Pusat selam

Try these 5 Star/Gold Palm PADI rated centres:

Jakarta: Aquasport Jalan Bangka Raya No 39A, tel (62) 21-7199045

Manado: Two Fish Divers
Jalan Samratulang 1, XIX No 12A, tel (62) 811-432805

Bali: AIR Diving Academy
Jl By Pass Ngurah Rai 46E Blanjong-Sanur, Denpasar, tel (62) 361-270791