Sriwahyuni Salatun – A lifetime of love for the ocean

Sriwahyuni (Sri for short) Salatun’s journey to ocean protection started when she was just fifteen years old, a high school student in Balantak, Sulawesi.

In 2010, Sri’s school was invited to take part in activities run by a local conservation organisation, Alliansi Konservasi Tompotika (ALTO). What started as a school campaign quickly became something much deeper. Through ALTO, Sri learned about protected and endemic species in Sulawesi, including sea turtles and the endangered maleo bird. She volunteered throughout the rest of her school career, then continued to join campaigns in her spare time, while juggling college commitments. Her initial introduction to ocean protection quickly bloomed into a full-blown passion.

“I often saw sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs,” she recalls. “I watched them hatch and helped release them back into the sea. It was a valuable experience.” Those moments, combined with the knowledge Sri had gained through her volunteering, left a lasting mark. Sri became a supporter of other environmental organisations, driven by a growing desire to protect wildlife and raise awareness about conservation.  

Witnessing Habitat Loss 

That early optimism was tested when a mining company moved into the area where ALTO had been working, an area that included vital turtle nesting beaches. Because of shifting village policies, ALTO was no longer able to maintain the site and the nesting beach was eventually turned into a quarry. 

“It was painful,” Sri says. “To lose the natural nesting habitat of sea turtles like that.” For a time, Sri felt unable to contribute to environmental protection. Needing to take a step back, she moved to the city and worked outside of the conservation and ocean protection sphere. All the while carrying her concern and love for nature quietly within her.  

Returning to Marine Protection 

Sri knew she’d find her way back to the ocean and today she is an integral part of the Blue Alliance team.  As Enforcement Coordinator, she leads a team of four rangers and two boat drivers, overseeing daily patrols across a conservation area where fishing pressure and environmental threats are a constant reality. 

Her work focuses on monitoring, law enforcement, and building trust with coastal communities. Patrols take place both on land and at sea, starting early in the morning and often finishing late in the evening. Each day, Sri reviews ranger activity through the EarthRanger platform and patrol reports submitted via digital forms. The data helps her understand patterns, identify risks, and ensure enforcement efforts are effective and transparent.  

Community engagement is central to her approach. Sri and her team work closely with POKMASWAS (community surveillance groups), fishermen, village leaders, and local law enforcement. Joint patrols help reinforce regulations while opening space for dialogue. 

“In the past, I always accompanied the rangers at sea,” she explains. “Now they can patrol independently and communicate directly with fishermen. I still join patrols when needed, especially when there are incidents or violations.” 

Gender Dynamics in Marine Enforcement 

Working in a male-dominated environment brings its own challenges, but Sri sees strength in collaboration and calm leadership. What Sri values most about her role is the human side of enforcement. 

“I enjoy listening to people’s complaints and being able to offer solutions,” she says. “Sometimes I learn a lot from fishermen, about their lives, their families, and the pressures they face.” 

These conversations have shaped how she approaches enforcement. Many violations, she explains, are driven by economic hardship rather than intent to harm the environment. People fish illegally because they need to provide for their families, or because debt leaves them with few alternatives. Approaching this challenge from a human perspective is vital for ensuring a holistic solution is found. 

Her role requires a careful balance: being firm enough to uphold regulations, while remaining empathetic to the realities people face. 

“I have to be caring and firm at the same time,” Sri says. “And sometimes it’s difficult when enforcement from authorities is not as strict as it should be.” 

As a woman in enforcement, Sri also encounters bias. Some offenders question her authority or focus more on her appearance than her role. 

“Sometimes they don’t think I’m qualified because I’m a woman,” she says. “Other times, they pay more attention to that than to the violation itself.” Rather than react, Sri chooses composure. 

“I stay calm and position myself as someone capable of handling the situation.” 

In tense moments, her presence can even help defuse conflict since violence against women is strongly frowned upon in her community. Still, the risk is real, and it takes courage to go out every day and face potential conflict.  

Looking Ahead 

For Sri, the future is about growth; personal, professional, and collective. 

“I hope I can continue to contribute to society through environmental sustainability,” she says. “Time is an opportunity. I want to keep growing with Blue Alliance.” 

From a teenage volunteer releasing turtle hatchlings to an enforcement coordinator protecting marine ecosystems, Sri’s journey reflects the long-term dedication that underpins effective conservation. Her work is not only about protecting biodiversity, but about holding space for people, nature, and the difficult conversations needed to enable progress. 

Day by day, Sri continues to advocate for the ocean that she has loved for so many years.  

Regenerating the ocean at scale — for people and nature.