Gondewa began his path with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science and Technology, where he built a strong scientific foundation and developed a specialization in coral reef ecosystems. Through extensive fieldwork and diving experience, he has explored and studied marine environments across Bali, Maluku, and Sulawesi, including leading the successful establishment of a marine protected area on Buru Island. His journey with Blue Alliance has not merely ignited passion, but sustained it with a deeper, more honest energy like an ember. Quiet and unassuming, it does not seek attention, yet as long as the ember endures, life and purpose never fade. Like Blue Alliance itself, his connection to the ocean reflects its nature: vast, calm, and profound, rich with mystery and abundance, requiring knowledge, exploration, and care to ensure its sustainable use for generations to come.

Hery is a marine conservation practitioner with a focus on integrating sustainable fisheries governance and coastal community empowerment. A graduate of the Faculty of Fisheries at Diponegoro University, Hery specializes in bridging local community needs with government policies to develop inclusive and applicable conservation models. Hery has a strong track record in small-scale fisheries management and marine conservation area monitoring, with an emphasis on strengthening the capacity of coastal communities in the Maluku region, including the Koon, Mdona Hiera, Romang, Damer, and Babar Islands Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Since 2021, Hery has been actively involved in accelerating conservation area management in Southwest Maluku through strategic mapping and advocacy activities involving law enforcement officials, local government, religious leaders, and local communities. Technically, Hery has mastered ecosystem-based capture fisheries and aquaculture management (EAFM & EAA) approaches, as well as the identification of important fish spawning sites (SPAGs) for snapper and grouper species. Beyond his technical expertise, he is also active as a diver and photographer, utilizing visual narratives to document marine conservation issues. Through his visual works, Hery communicates the realities on the ground as well as the success of coastal communities in preserving marine biodiversity.

Mahmud is a native of Banggai. After completing his education, he immediately entered the maritime world as a fisherman. His experience began as a crew member on a sea transport vessel, which shaped his resilience and understanding of the waters. Mahmud then pursued a career as a traveling fishmonger, selling seafood—including bomb fish—which were still popular with local fishermen at the time. His life at sea continued to evolve until he finally joined Blue Alliance as a boat driver. It was in this position that Mahmud became widely known. His skill in piloting a speedboat with high speed and precision earned him the respect, even fear, of anyone who crossed his path. He was not just a boat driver, but a symbol of courage, experience, and mastery of the Banggai seas.

Jamal has extensive experience in the fisheries and maritime sector. For 25 years, he worked for a shrimp farming company, developing a deep understanding of fisheries cultivation, management, and production dynamics. After more than two decades working outside his hometown, Jamal chose to return to his village and pursue a life as a fisherman. His return wasn't simply a return to the sea; he also brought with him technical experience and a strong social network. His close family ties with the perpetrators of fish bombing served as a unique strength, giving him influence, on-the-ground knowledge, and a strategic position in building communication within coastal communities.

Sumarto is a local resident of Banggai Islands Regency and is widely known in the community for his extensive experience working in various government institutions. He served as a Local Facilitator (PL) in the National Community Empowerment Program (PNPM Mandiri Perdesaan) from 2011 to 2014, where he was directly involved in the empowerment and mentoring of village communities. Furthermore, Sumarto is a working partner of the Banggai Islands Regency Statistics Agency (BPS), tasked with conducting various door-to-door surveys and data collection activities in several villages across three sub-districts. Through this role, he has actively participated in supporting the government in national-based data collection for approximately 10 years. With extensive field experience and a deep understanding of local social conditions, Sumarto has a strong capacity to bridge community interests and government programs.

Vira holds a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering from the Yogyakarta Institute of Technology. She is a native of the Lumbi-Lumbia village and lives on the coast. She deeply cares about environmental issues and believes that one small step can bring about significant change for the earth.

As part of the science team, Azka explores the world of coral reefs as one of his expertise. Graduating from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences IPB University and serving as a certified Dive Master during his college years, Azka took part in the establishment of Marine Protected Area in the South Buru Regency as a coral reef observer. His interest in the conservation world, coral reef ecology, and the political-ecology of coastal communities made him come to Banggai not as an expert, but as someone who wanted to learn from the original conditions in the field.

Since his first dive in Indonesian waters during college, Adhi quickly fell in love with the underwater world. That moment sparked his journey to becoming a marine biologist who cares deeply about coastal ecosystems. While studying Marine Science and leading his university’s diving club, he spent many hours learning about coral reefs ecosystem directly in the field, doing surveys, joining MPA monitoring with NGOs, and taking part in grant-based research, in Maluku, North Maluku, Sulawesi, Lampung, and Aceh. Each trip made him even more curious about how coastal ecosystems work and how people can help protect them. Adhi is also known as a skilled reef fish observer who can identify many Indonesian reef fish species, that helps him understand coral reef ecosystems on a deeper level. As his interests expanded, he began dive to fisheries science, an important part of sustainable coastal management. For Adhi, every research activity is not just about observing, but also about learning, recording, and helping protect the future of the ocean.

Satrio works with Blue Alliance to support evidence-based marine conservation across the Indo-West Pacific Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). His connection to the ocean began early, joining his father on small boats in eastern Indonesia, where he first saw how island communities relying heavily on coral reef ecosystem. This path led him to complete an MSc in Biodiversity and Global Change at University College London (UCL), specialising in quantitative ecology, conservation decision making, and ecosystem functioning frameworks. He has contributed to ecological assessments across 20 Marine Protected Areas in Indonesia, examining how management intervention shape reef resilience and fish production. His experience also spans global reef restoration projects with the University of Queensland, including studies on rubble stabilisation and recovery feasibility. In partnership with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), he works on AI-assisted passive acoustic research exploring how reef sharks influence soundscape dynamics. Blending analytical skill with field experience as a certified Divemaster, Satrio is committed to marine conservation approaches that are rigorous, community-grounded, and ecologically meaningful.

Alprian graduated from the Marine Science Study Program at Hasanuddin University. He has experience in coral reef ecosystem monitoring and habitat condition assessments within the Spermonde Islands marine protected area. Alprian is also a certified diver.

Idham Malik graduated from Hasanuddin University, Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture Study Program. Idham Malik has experience in mentoring aquaculture groups, particularly tiger shrimp and vannamei, as well as seaweed for traditional scale, both in the form of education, such as the preparation of fisheries guidelines (Better Management Practices-BMP), pond schools, field practices, and institutional. In addition, there is experience mentoring aquaculture companies to obtain ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) certification, as well as mentoring aquaculture areas to become EAA (Ecosystem Approach to Aquaculture) areas. Idham has organized mangrove rehabilitation activities for 10 districts in South Sulawesi from 2017-2021. In organising coastal communities, Idham digs up information about the history, culture, and social conditions of the community. Idham deepened this while working on shrimp cultivation assistance in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, using the Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) approach, as well as while in Alor Regency by exploring local wisdom practices in interacting with the sea. Therefore, in the course of organising coastal communities, Idham has compiled 4 books about coastal communities and reflection practices in South Sulawesi, Berau-East Kalimantan and Alor Island. He is completing a book on the practice of fish bombing in the Banggai Islands, entitled 'The Sea Still Booms'. Since 2025, Idham has been conducting social experiments in coastal communities by mentoring women's groups in the development of ecoprint fabrics and stimulating Seasea arts and culture activities, one of the impacts of which is the development of cultural tourism in the Banggai Islands. The goal is to transform society, fostering human resource development and community well-being.

Saldi Abas has been working as a head ranger for three years and recently obtained his scuba diving license. He is passionate about protecting the waters of Pulo Dua. As an active member of the youth community, he makes a significant impact by engaging young people in conservation efforts.

Head Ranger Alwan Manjong is a very experienced fisher. He used to be an active dynamite fisher, starting when he was only 12 years old. He first joined the Tompotika Dive Lodge 14 years ago, where he learned to dive and earned his certification. Now, he plays a crucial role in our enforcement and surveillance programme. As a proactive member of the fishing community, his extensive experience and deep understanding of local fishing operations make him an invaluable asset in combating illegal fishing activities, keeping the local Blue Alliance team consistently one step ahead.

Nurwan has extensive experience in the government fishery sector. As a local community representative and multi-term village chief, Nurwan's strong connections make him a true people's person. He also spearheads a community-based waste management programme and is the founder of the village tourism association, weaving together his passion for community engagement and the environment.

Sriwahyuni has many years of experience in the NGO sector. A dedicated activist, Sriwahyuni has spent years contributing to various causes and has gained valuable experience working for the turtle monitoring programme of a local NGO. With her love for the ocean, Sriwahyuni ensures the effective enforcement of our initiatives for a thriving marine ecosystem.

In her role as Administration and Finance Officer, Sintiya is blending financial expertise with a love for nature and marine life. A recent swimming and diving enthusiast, Sintiya likes to discover the wonders of the underwater world. With a background in finance and accounting, coupled with experience from the government tax department, she ensures smooth financial operations.

Wahyuda has a a passion for fishery resources management and is an open water diver dedicated to preserving marine ecosystems. Since joining the team in 2021, he has successfully led various programmes, including CPUE and coral transplantation. His hands-on experience working with small-scale fishers has been invaluable, contributing to foster sustainable practices and community engagement.

Ince Muhammad Idham Farsha brings 13 years of maritime sector expertise in Indonesia, starting his career as a local geographic information expert at Pontianak Coastal and Marine Resources Management Center (BPSPL Pontianak). He later contributed to marine and fisheries potential identification across Indonesia with Witaris UNHAS R&D Center. At WWF-Indonesia, he managed a key location for the Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Program in West Kotawaringin, aiding in community and government initiatives, including Pokmaswas group formations and developing alternative livelihoods for former dugong hunters through Spirulina cultivation. His most recent role as a Marine Biodiversity Officer entailed leading leatherback turtle research, community-based monitoring, and spearheading the establishment of the Buru Regency Marine Conservation Area.