Staff Spotlight: Aris Putra Oli

Title:
Junior Researcher

Photos

Aris completed his marine biology degree in 2022 at Sam Ratulangi University. Aris is an extraordinarily passionate and driven marine biologist who loves absolutely everything about the ocean and wants to do everything possible to help save it.

Interview

What is your favorite travel memory?

One of my most memorable travel memories is when I traveled from Manado to Lembeh Island by motorcycle. We crossed to the island by ferry and went for a road trip around Lembeh Island. It was amusing because I went with my family and got to visit many beautiful virgin beaches (less touristic ones!)

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

As I have many different types of tasks to do, I learned how to organise my priority list and manage my time wisely to be able to checklist my assignments while having fun. I become a more organized person. Besides that, I also learn how to balance my life between personal life & work. By understanding my personal needs and balancing my work, I have grown into a better- performing and sociable person.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

There was one Sharkie that had never traveled so far before. She was insecure and concerned about whether she would be able to live in a new place with a stranger. As time passed, it turned out that after staying for a while, she felt she did not want to return home. She felt at home, and the Gili Shark Conservation staff were her family.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I recommend the Research Assistant Program because it would be more impactful to the environment as we support GMB researchers in collecting data and restoring our Gili coral reefs.

Through this program, you can learn better about how to be a responsible, scientific diver and contribute directly in marine conservation!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Gili Shark Conservation offers a unique holiday package that helps you learn deeper and gain more knowledge about marine conservation and contribute directly to the project. And our proud moment of the team: we work together so well and be supportive in every assignment and condition. We solve problem together with unique solutions ;)

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe one of the most significant factors in building a successful company is to keep thriving and being innovative! Although we work in the tourism industry, we must create creative ways and innovations to help people enjoy tourism more. And that is what we are doing in Gili Shark Conservation: create a holiday package that helps people connect more with the ocean and enhance their experience while on the island.