Nurturing Affectionate Attachment to Raja Ampat

KOMPAS/Ferganata Indra Riatmoko

Arnaud Brival

At a depth of around 8 meters, Arnaud Brival (32) was diving to tie coral pieces to the sea floor near the pier of Arborek Island at the end of May 2021. It was his way of helping the restoration of the coral reefs off Raja Ampat, West Papua.

The coral pieces were tied by Arnaud Brival, 32, to complete a coral reef formation resempling a manta ray. This species, with its characteristic “horns”, has become an icon of Arborek Island’s undersea tourism.

The manta ray coral formation, which measures 10 meters by 5 meters, is not the only one. A number of rectangle-shaped formations have been created by the Frenchman along with local residents, who have been planting coral at the location since 6 May, 2021.

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The coral formations are scattered in 16 places and fill an undersea space of about 700 square meters around the pier. The Arborek pier has been chosen because it is an undersea tourism destinations where tourists can watch tens of thousands of coral and pelagic fish.

The waters only started to be restored with the launch of a conservation program by several nongovernmental organizations in 2006.

The coral formations designed by Arnaud are meant to build a lot more homes for fish. Near the foot of the pier, at a depth of 7 to 8 meters, there are still some vacant spaces and patches of dead coral damaged by bombs and potassium. The waters only started to be restored with the launch of a conservation program by several nongovernmental organizations in 2006.

Arnaud has also restored coral reefs in other locations of Raja Ampat since 2016: Yenwaupnor, Sawandarek, Yenbuba and Sawingrai. Coral areas in these locations were once also damaged by bombs and potassium.

“In several places, corals have grown quite densely so that they’ve begun teeming with fish. Here, the condition of waters is conducive to coral growth. Corals of the acropora species can grow up to 20 centimeters per year,” said Arnaud, who has also set up a foundation, Yayasan Orang Laut Papua.

Inner call

The story of Raja Ampat’s undersea ecosystem has long been familiar to Arnaud. After finishing his studies, he chose to dedicate himself to conservation. In 2014, he came to Raja Ampat and worked with a conservation institution before finally founding Yayasan Orang Laut Papua.

He is convinced that corals are the key to the continuity of marine biodiversity, which helps support human life. If corals are growing beautifully, fish will survive. People can easily catch the fish by using environmentally friendly methods. Corals also serve as a means of education to help people get acquainted with the sea.

Furthermore, the beauty of corals and their fish are a magnet for tourists. The presence of tourists will offer benefits for the local community. As an illustration, Arborek has now grown into a tourist village in Raja Ampat.

“Homestays in Arborek can thrive because gorgeous corals can be found here,” said Arnaud.

KOMPAS/Ferganata Indra Riatmoko

Arnaud Brival (left) shows how to transplant corals at the dock area of Arborek Island, Raja Ampat, West Papua, on Monday (31/5/2021).

He has invited local people to keep planting coral. As of the end of May, 12,000 corals had been planted. If they flourish, around 2,000 residents will enjoy their benefits. The thousands of tourists who come every year can also watch their beauty.

He admitted it was not easy to invite locals to get involved. “Once, some people protested because we were regarded as damaging corals. It happened when we brought coral pieces to be used as seeds. After we asked them to join our planting activity, they began to trust us,” said the man, who speaks fluent Indonesian.

Amid the pandemic, coral planting has slowed because of the relatively high costs. The foundation now depends exclusively on donations. Only one foundation employee is left. There are also difficulties because the foundation has no motorboat for transportation to execute conservation work.

However, Arnaud’s consistency in coral planting in Arborek waters and nearby areas has won the hearts of residents, who no longer consider him a foreigner. He has become part of the big family on the small island of 7.5 hectares.

Arnaud responds by smiling and waving his hand. Not infrequently, he joins residents who are gathering to share stories and crack jokes.

Whenever he comes, residents, from children to seniors, greet him hospitably. Arnaud responds by smiling and waving his hand. Not infrequently, he joins residents who are gathering to share stories and crack jokes.

“Arnaud adapted quickly to the local residents. This allows him to mingle with locals directly. If he wishes, he can enter and eat in their homes,” said Naftali, 35, an Arborek resident.

Naftali said Arnaud would always invite residents to plant coral. He also unhesitatingly warned visitors against berthing boats in shallow waters with coral underneath.

His actions are imitated by locals. They also often help boat skippers berth their boats in places with no coral. “Arnaud invites residents to safeguard the sea. This is meant to prevent fish from fleeing, so tourists will come to Arborek,” said Naftali.

He revealed that Arnaud had once rejected a plan to build a concrete road to the Arborek pier. “When he noticed

construction workers, Arnaud was running while carrying two planks. Then he crossed the planks. For local people, this move indicates rejection,” added Naftali.

Arnaud wants to remain longer in Indonesia. He even met his mate, Lynn Lawrance, in Raja Ampat. Lynn, an Australian, helps Arnaud in Yayasan Orang Laut Papua. The two now live in Waisai, the hub of Raja Ampat regency. Arnaud has nurtured an affectionate attachment to Raja Ampat.

Arnaud Brival

Wife: Lynn Lawrance

Education: Coastal ecosystem management, University of St. Andrews, Scotland

Occupation: Founder of Yayasan Orang Laut Papua

Nationality: French.

(This article was translated by Aris Prawira)