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In the next installation of Invest SEA’s Natives of Natuna series, we’re talking to Igusti Heppi, a diver and tour guide on the islands. We dive into her vision, hope, and dreams for the sustainable future of Natuna’s eco-tourism. For Heppi, Natuna is not just a destination; it’s a unique blend of nature, culture, and shared responsibility.

One of Heppi’s aspirations for marine tourism includes establishing a conservation area supported by the local government. It is also crucial for tourists and locals to collaborate in safeguarding the environment, culture, and society.

Natuna’s rich and welcoming culture is characterized by togetherness and warmth. Heppi passionately wishes for this cultural heritage to be celebrated and cherished by future visitors.

Watch the video below and discover more as Heppi shares her favorite island in Natuna and reveals her top snorkeling and diving spots.

Which island is interesting as a marine tourism destination in Natuna?

All the islands in Natuna are very interesting because each island has a different character. However, if you consider accessibility, there is one island that is quite a popular tourist destination, namely Senoa Island, which is not far from the port of Ranai.

Which spots are the most interesting for diving and snorkeling activities?

Depends on your taste. For anyone who likes diving with dense coral characters, there is an island for that. And for anyone who likes diving with towering coral characters, there is also an island for that. Senoa Island is the most interesting since in every corner of the island, the spots are different. So, you can snorkel and you can dive. It’s also ok for beginners.

What is your opinion about the development potential of marine tourism in Natuna?

I am also a guide who likes to take tourists visiting Natuna. Tourism is progressing as expected. It’s just that there are still some things that need to be considered for future tourism progress.

What should the implementation of the eco-tourism program in Natuna be like?

We hope that tourists will work together to protect the environment, social and cultural aspects, so that this long-term tourism can last for generations to come. Since I’m a diver, for every guest who comes here, we always say that we should just look and enjoy, and not do any damage. So that later we can still continue to come and play in the sea in those beautiful spots.

What are your hopes for the next development of marine tourism?

I really want to have a conservation area that is directly supported by the local government here. The goal of conservation is to protect coral reefs. If coral reefs are well maintained, with conservation activities, in the next few years, the spots we use for conservation could become the main destination for marine tourism in Natuna.

What are some things that you like about Natuna and want other people to know?

What people need to know is culture. Our culture here is very strong with togetherness and hospitality. We hope that in the future it will not only be eco-tourism that will be highlighted, but our Natuna’s cultures will also be known as well.

Bahasa Indonesian: 

Pulau mana yang menarik untuk menjadi tujuan wisata laut di Natuna?

Semua pulau di Natuna menarik sekali karena setiap pulau punya karakter yang berbeda-beda. Cuma kalau ditanya soal akses, ada salah satu pulau yang dijadikan destinasi wisata yang lumayan populer, yaitu Pulau Senoa yang jarak tempuhnya tidak jauh dari pelabuhan di Ranai.

Spot mana yang paling menarik untuk menjalankan aktivitas diving dan snorkeling?

Tergantung selera. Kalau ada yang suka diving dengan karakter karang yang padat ada pulaunya tersendiri. Kalau ada yang suka diving dengan karakter karang yang tinggi menjulang juga ada pulaunya sendiri. Pulau Senoa paling menarik karena di setiap sudut pulaunya, spotnya berbeda-beda. Jadi, untuk snorkeling bisa, diving bisa. Untuk pemula pun ok banget.

Bagaimana tanggapan Anda tentang progres perkembangan & potensi wisata laut di Natuna? 

Aku juga guide yang suka mengantar wisatawan yang berkunjung ke Natuna. Progres wisata sudah berjalan sesuai apa yang diharapkan. Hanya saja ada beberapa hal yang perlu diperhatikan untuk kemajuan wisata di masa depan.

Menurut Anda, implementasi dari program sustainable tourism (khususnya eco-tourism) di Natuna itu seharusnya seperti apa?

Berharap wisatawan, sama-sama menjaga lingkungan, sosial, budaya, agar wisata jangka panjang ini bisa berjalan hingga generasi seterusnya. Khususnya karena aku seorang diver, setiap tamu yang datang ke sini, kita selalu menyampaikan bahwa hanya melihat dan menikmati, untuk tidak dirusak. Supaya secara terus-menerus kita akan tetap bisa datang dan bermain di laut di spot yang indah. 

Apa harapan Anda untuk pengembangan wisata laut berikutnya?

Ingin sekali punya daerah konservasi yang didukung langsung oleh Pemda di sini. Tujuan konservasi adalah menjaga terumbu karang. Bila terumbu karang terjaga dengan baik, dengan adanya kegiatan konservasi, dalam beberapa tahun akan datang, spot yang kita gunakan untuk konservasi itu bisa menjadi tujuan utama wisata bahari di Natuna.

Hal apa saja yang Anda sukai dari Natuna dan orang lain perlu tahu?

Yang orang-orang perlu tahu adalah budaya. Budaya kami di sini sangat kental dengan kebersamaan dan ramah tamah. Berharap ke depannya bukan sekedar wisata alamnya yang ditonjolkan, tapi budaya-budaya yang ada di Natuna diketahui juga oleh para wisatawan.