Unveiling Wonders: A Transformative Expedition Through the Tengah Island Conservation Experience - Rahman Syahputra Syafruddin
Greetings! My name is Rahman Syahputra, and I'd like to share my journey as a conservation intern at Tengah Island Conservation over the past few weeks. It all began on August 6th, when my fellow interns and I set foot on Tengah Island with a sense of excitement and purpose. Our arrival was greeted by the mesmerizing sight of juvenile blacktip reef sharks gracefully gliding near the jetty. This enchanting encounter instantly ignited my passion for the internship ahead.
In the first week my adventure as a conservation intern on Tengah Island was incredible. We learned to watch over sea turtles on the beaches through boat patrols, finding hawksbill turtles on Pulau Harimau. We explored the island, got to know Batu Batu resort, and joined and learned to do educational talks. We did learn various things such as making and replicating turtle nests, understanding SCUBA gear, and even cleaning the beach with resort guests. Diving into the clear water and revising our basic open water skill was amazing
This enchanting encounter instantly ignited my passion for the internship ahead.
Typically, our morning routine would commence with either a boat patrol or a walking patrol around the island. The sights during these patrols left a lasting impression. Personally, this period provided me with the chance to witness the stunning expanse of the ocean, observe the beautiful morning sky, and foster a sense of gratitude towards nature. Sometime in our patrol we can get a chance to get a privilege of encountering a magnificent green sea turtle.
During our internship, we were immersed in various tasks such as conducting reef check surveys, seagrass surveys, and participating in coral rehabilitation and relocation. Additionally, there was a mini project that we undertook to encourage the growth of mangroves on Tengah Island. These activities helped occupy our time at Tengah Island Conservation and I never imagined I could gain such valuable experiences, and it turned out to be the best experience to join Tengah Island Conservation as my internship .
Beyond the tasks, we had the chance to connect with new people, including those from other NGOs and local communities. This expanded our knowledge about the world and provided us with different perspectives on the ocean. Speaking of meeting others, the PEDAS program (Pasukan Pendidik Ekologi dan Alam Sekitar) was an outreach initiative that not only enriched our understanding but also allowed me to connect with youth in schools around Mersing's islands.
Connecting with youth in schools around Mersing's islands.
Lastly, my time at Tengah Island Conservation was incredibly enjoyable as I got to apply what I had learned at university. Throughout my stay, I discovered both my weaknesses and strengths. Aiman and Izzat played a crucial role in guiding and teaching us, contributing significantly to our self-improvement journey.