Two TL Government Officials Honored with The 2025 Ocean Legacy Awards
Image : Two TL Government Officials Honored with The 2025 Ocean Legacy in Bali, 19/08/2025.
SAPNewsTL, Bali : Marking its 15 years of action, innovation, and collaboration in marine conservation, the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) held the Ocean Legacy Awards to honor partners, individuals, and communities dedicated to protecting the ocean and its biodiversity.
The celebration recognized 15 inspiring figures who have delivered innovative solutions, balancing environmental protection with community well-being. The event also featured a short film and personal testimonials from award recipients, highlighting the transformative power of collaborative, locally-led conservation.
Chair of the CTC Board of Trustees, Yuli Ismartono, emphasized that the challenges facing marine ecosystems cannot be solved by one party alone. “A shared commitment from government, communities, the private sector, and individuals is essential to ensure future generations inherit healthy and productive oceans”.
“Tonight, we celebrate the people and communities leading these efforts. These awards are also a sincere expression of our appreciation to those who have advanced CTC’s mission to inspire and empower generations to care for coastal and marine ecosystems,” Said Chair of the CTC Board of Trustees, Yuli Ismartono in Bali, August 19, 2025
Award recipients were selected based on CTC’s core values–excellence, local stewardship, collaboration, and results. Excellence reflects a steadfast commitment to integrity, leadership, and progress in marine conservation at the local, national, and international levels.
Local stewardship honors those who strengthen community roles and drive grassroots marine protection efforts. Collaboration recognizes partners who work closely with CTC to develop innovative approaches in raising public awareness about marine conservation. Results honors individuals whose actions have created lasting impact in protecting marine resources in the Coral Triangle.
Among this year’s awardees are two distinguished government officials from Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry: H.E. Acacio Guterres, Director General for Fisheries, whose leadership has strengthened sustainable fisheries through innovations such as PESCAS and spearheaded the development of marine protected areas (MPAs); and Constancio dos Santos Silva, Head of Marine Spatial Planning, who has been instrumental in integrating MPAs into national marine policy and advancing transboundary marine spatial planning initiatives.
“This recognition is not only a personal honor but also a testament to the hard work and commitment of the many people in Timor-Leste who are protecting our marine resources. Our fisheries and MPAs are vital for food security, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. By continuing to work together—across communities, sectors, and Coral Triangle countries—we can ensure these resources remain healthy for generations to come,” said H.E. Acacio Guterres.
Constancio dos Santos Silva echoed this sentiment, stressing that marine conservation is a shared responsibility. “Our progress has only been possible through strong partnerships at local, national, and regional levels including with organizations such as CTC. This award motivates us to keep advancing policies and practices that protect our seas while supporting the well-being of coastal communities in Timor-Leste and beyond,” he said.
Alongside the three awardees from Maluku, the other 13 recipients came from diverse regions and backgrounds, including Indonesian government officials contributing to sustainable marine management, strengthening marine protected areas, and empowering coastal communities: Dr. Ir. Suseno Sukoyono, Dr. Firdaus Agung, Lilly Aprilya Pregiwati, Amehr Hakim, and Dr. Ir.
Erawan Asikin; regional marine advocates driving cross-border collaboration, Executive Director of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security Regional Secretariat, Dr. Frank Keith Griffin; local champions tackling marine conservation challenges in diverse parts of Indonesia, namely Christina Maritje Lawalata, Masnah La Empe, I Kadek Artona Yasa, Ni Wayan Damiasih, Ni Luh Putu Wira Astuti, and Sam Bencheghib; as well as an environmental storyteller raising broader awareness of Bali’s cultural and natural heritage, Edward Speirs.
“The presence of these fifteen Ocean Legacy Awards recipients is a source of inspiration and pride for all of us at CTC,” said CTC Executive Director, Rili Djohani. “What began as a bold vision to strengthen leadership, knowledge, and collaboration has now grown into a community of ocean champions driving learning and empowering local voices. This achievement reminds us that together, we can accomplish great things”.
“Moving forward, with increasing urgency, we must continue to promote innovative approaches, strong collaboration, and sound policies to ensure the preservation of our oceans for the benefit of both current and future generations,” she stated.
About Coral Triangle Center
The Coral Triangle Center (CTC) is a nonprofit organization based in Indonesia with a regional scope and global impact. Established in 2010, CTC collaborates with local communities, the private sector, governments, and partners to strengthen marine resource management in the Coral Triangle region. Our goal is to protect coral reef ecosystems, support sustainable livelihoods, and enhance food security.
CTC supports conservation efforts on the ground through learning sites in Bali, Maluku, and Timor-Leste. We lead a learning network for women leaders, local government executives, and marine protected area practitioners across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste.
CTC also extends its reach through the CTC Center for Marine Conservation in Bali, which serves as an integrated training center for marine conservation, public outreach, interactive exhibits, and cultural performances that inspire people to protect our oceans and the life they sustain.
At CTC, we continuously strive to inspire ocean stewardship. Since our establishment in 2010, we have helped protect over 435,000 hectares of critical marine habitat. We have trained more than 8,000 individuals to support marine protected areas and sustainable fisheries management across the Coral Triangle.
Additionally, over 25,000 visitors have engaged with our Center for Marine Conservation, many of whom have been inspired to take direct action in protecting our oceans. For more information about CTC and our initiatives, please visit www.coraltrianglecenter.org.
Profile of the 2025 Ocean Legacy Awardees :
1. Dr. Ir. Suseno Sukoyono
Advisory Board Member, Coral Triangle Center
Dr. Suseno Sukoyono is a long-time advocate for people-centered marine conservation and capacity building for sustainable ocean management. He has represented Indonesia in ASEAN, IORA, RFMO, and WTO negotiations, and led the CTI-CFF as Interim Executive Chair. He has also contributed to global initiatives with FAO, ILO, and UNEA.
2. Dr. Firdaus Agung
Directorate of Marine Conservation and Biodiversity, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Indonesia With over 20 years in marine conservation, Dr. Firdaus Agung leads MPA development and promotes OECMs in Indonesia. He helped launch the national Cost-Benefit Analysis Guide to ensure conservation benefits coastal communities and represents Indonesia in the International Coral Reef Initiative.
3. Lilly Aprilya Pregiwati
Head of Marine and Fisheries Training Center, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Indonesia, Lilly Aprilya Pregiwati leads efforts to develop skilled human resources in the marine and fisheries sector, equipping communities and professionals with knowledge for sustainable practices and food security.
4. Amehr Hakim
Coordinator for Marine Protected Areas Designation, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Indonesia Amehr Hakim oversees Indonesia’s MPA network design to balance ecological priorities with community needs. He has advanced national conservation targets through marine and coastal resource management.
5. Dr. Ir. Erawan Asikin
Head, Marine and Fisheries Department, Maluku Provincial Government Dr. Erawan Asikin has led the creation of MPAs in Buano, Lease, and Ay-Rhun Islands, piloted revenue-generating MPA management, and fostered NGO partnerships. He also launched initiatives in seaweed industry development and seagrass restoration.
6. H.E. Acacio Guterres
Director General for Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry Timor-Leste, H.E. Acacio Guterres advances sustainable fisheries, strengthens regional cooperation through CTI-CFF, and supports over 1,300 fishing groups with modern gear. He champions digital tools like PeskAAS and leads MPA establishment in Timor-Leste.
7. Dr. Frank Keith Griffin
Executive Director, Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, Food Security (CTI-CFF) Regional Secretariat
Dr. Frank Griffin leads regional marine resource management across six Coral Triangle countries. With 20+ years in governance and conservation, he has built strong partnerships and promotes collaboration for marine biodiversity protection.
8. Constancio Dos Santos
Head of Marine Spatial Planning Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Timor-Leste, Constancio dos Santos Silva directs marine policy and zoning, integrates MPAs into national frameworks, and contributes to regional ecosystem projects. He played a key role in establishing MPAs in Atauro, Samba Sembilan, and Nino Konis Santana.
9. Christina Maritje Lawalata
Raja Negeri, Mahu Village Saparua, Lease Islands Christina Lawalata leads conservation grounded in customary law, protecting forests, coasts, and marine habitats. She developed Mahu as a tourist village, empowered women’s groups, and launched a waste bank to tackle marine pollution.
10. Masnah La Empe
Leader, Raudatul Jannah Waste Management Women’s Group, Rhun, Banda Islands
Masnah La Empe leads community waste management by turning trash into ecobricks, compost, and reusable materials, inspiring broader community participation in ocean conservation.
11. Kadek Artona Yasa
Secretary, Pokmaswas Gili Bhuana, Lembongan Village, Bali, Indonesia
Dek Tono actively supports marine conservation in Nusa Penida through environmental education, coral and mangrove restoration, and collaboration with CTC and UPTD KKP.
12. Ni Wayan Damiasih, S.Pd.
Teacher, Sekolah Dasar Negeri 2 Sanur, Bali, Indonesia Ni Wayan Damiasih was named Best Teacher of the Year in CTC’s Ocean Keeper Club for mentoring students and promoting marine education on coral reefs, mangroves, and ocean conservation.
13. Sam Bencheghib
Co-Founder, Sungai Watch, Bali
Sam Bencheghib co-founded Sungai Watch to combat plastic pollution, installing 180+ river barriers and removing over 3 million pounds of waste, while engaging communities in cleanups and education.
14. Edward Speirs
Managing Editor, NOW! Bali Magazine
Edward Speirs uses storytelling and media to highlight Bali’s culture and environment. NOW! Bali promotes conservation initiatives and inspires action to protect the island’s ecosystems.
15. Ni Luh Putu Wira Astuti
Founder, Sandu Care, Nusa Lembongan
Ni Luh Putu Wira Astuti founded Sandu Care to create eco-friendly products from seaweed, supporting local livelihoods and adding value to marine resources through sustainable innovation.