The vibrant coral reefs of Karimunjawa once again played host to a milestone in the legacy of UKM Selam UGM (UGM Dive Club), as the student diving unit conducted its 35th Open Water Training (Latihan Perairan Terbuka/LPT XXXV), a pinnacle event that marks both the culmination of training and a vital step toward certification for aspiring divers.
Held from May 11 to 15, 2025, this year’s LPT was more than a certification program. It was a rite of passage for the new divers, blending hands-on learning with deep appreciation for Indonesia’s marine ecosystems. The event welcomed 47 student trainees, guided by four instructors, including two distinguished alumni, who will lead them through their first journey into the underwater world.
The journey began in Yogyakarta, with participants traveling overland and by sea for nearly 12 hours to reach the Karimunjawa Islands, off the northern coast of Central Java. Over the following days, the trainees explored four dive sites, including Kagama Point, ideal for adaptation dives, and Maer and Cemara Besar Island, filled with colorful reefs and teeming marine life.
“My first dive was unforgettable,” shared Andez Putra Pratama, one of the new members. “Seeing the vast underwater world made me realize just how much beauty lies beyond what we usually see.”
Each dive was done not just for exploration, but for skills development and evaluation. Trainees practiced key underwater competencies such as mask and snorkel clearing, buddy breathing, and hovering, in accordance with CMAS-Indonesia A1 standards, ensuring they met the professional requirements for official certification.
While the training faced challenges from unpredictable weather, strong logistical planning and commitment from the organizing team ensured the full agenda was successfully completed, culminating in the team’s safe return to Yogyakarta on May 15.
Reflecting on the transformative journey, UKM Selam UGM President Muhammad Raditya remarked, “In the world of cinema there’s ‘Three Days to Forever’, we hope these five days become ‘Five Days to Forever’ for our new members.”