ABOUT OUR TEAM
SOUL SCUBA DIVERS
Photo by Dennis @freediver87
Soul Scuba Divers is a scuba diving center on Kri Island in Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia. We pride ourselves on offering fun diving experiences, but safety and thorough planning is the cornerstone of our diving operations. Visit our FAQs page to learn more about our safety procedures and the dive experience you can expect to have with us.
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For us, scuba diving isn't just about looking at creatures underwater. It allows us to explore the world—and ourselves—in a fulfilling, transformative way. It connects us to nature, compels us to travel the world and invites us into the amazing international community of scuba divers.
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We greatly appreciate being a part of the local community of Raja Ampat. Our mission is to hire local people from Raja Ampat—and also workers from other parts of Indonesia—to be long-term members of our team or help us with projects such as building our dive center and speed boats. Our top priority is to protect the precious marine and terrestrial environments in Raja Ampat, which is why we organize education and conservation projects within the local community. Learn more about their community projects here.
Thibault
Thibault Bancillon is the owner of Soul Scuba Divers. Thibault is from France and loves meeting people from all corners of the world and sharing his passion for the underwater world. He deeply cares about the people of Raja Ampat and is proud to partner with the local families on Kri. He cherishes working hand in hand with locals and spreading environmental awareness.
Superpower: 'Kindest heart in Raja'
Weakness: Struggles to say "no"
ANNI
Anni is the dive operation manager of Soul Scuba Divers. She was born in Finland and has been living in Indonesia for 8 years now. In that time, she has worked as an instructor and manager in many different dive centers all around Indonesia.
When she is not in the office or in the water, you can probably find her walking up and down the jetty looking for a walking shark.
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Superpower: Brainwashes divers into macro lovers
Weakness: Finnish, and collecting different injuries
Susanti
Susanti is the HR specialist at Soul Scuba Divers. Hailing from the vibrant region of Papua, she brings a touch of her cultural heritage to our dive center. Susanti is passionate about fitness and healthy living, often inspiring the team with her dedication to working out and nutritious eating habits. Her positive attitude and willingness to help make her an invaluable part of our crew.
When she’s not busy ensuring everyone is at their best, you can find Susanti on the beach cleaning up and sorting the waste in our sorting station.
Superpower: Turning any situation into a positive experience
Weakness: Smoothies. So many smoothies.
Dimas (Masmur)
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He is the all-around technician and electrician at Soul Scuba Divers. Hailing from Kendari, Dimas is our very own Super Mario, completing tasks with superhero-like speed and efficiency. Whether it's plumbing, electrical work, servicing boat engines, or managing solar power systems, he handles it all with expert precision.
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A fast and effective worker, he always knows the best systems and methods to get the job done. When he's not saving the day at the dive centre, he dedicates time to his lobster farm back in Kendari, ensuring it runs as smoothly as our operations.
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Superpower: Can fix or build anything in record time
Weakness: Must make regular trips to his beloved lobster farm in Kendari
Ocean team
Instructor
Fatur
Fatur was born in Central Sulawesi in the Togean Islands.
His strengths lie not only in his ability to entertain and interact with
guests but in his diving skills and an eye for finding you any species you want.
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Superpower: he'll make you laugh, always. Even underwater.
Weakness: dad jokes
Manu
Manu is the dive center technician at Soul Scuba Divers. Originally from Germany, Manu has a meticulous approach to all things technical, making him our go-to expert for servicing regulators and compressors. His passion for technical diving is evident in the precision and care he brings to his work, ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely.
When he's not busy tinkering with dive gear, Manu will be diving or teaching courses.​
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Superpower: Can fix any piece of equipment with ease
Weakness: Overthinks even the simplest tasks, like choosing between two identical o-rings
dive guide
Darwis
Our most experienced dive guide from Ternate.​
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Darwis is always ready to take you safely to the most amazing dive sites and will help you check boxes, whatever you want to see. From megafauna to super macro - he will find it all for you.
Superpower: As versatile as a Swiss army knife
Weakness: We still haven't figured out a way to clone him
Zadrak
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Zadrak is from Yenbuba village. He is one of our local Papuan dive guides.
Zadrak used to be a coral gardener for SEApeople and has strong knowledge about different corals and the restoration of coral reefs. You can see his handwork on the dive sites like Yenbuba Jetty and Sawandarek. He will show you the beautiful underwater world he calls home.
Superpower: He can dive, even without equipment
Weakness: Too shy to show his beautiful smile
Yanton
Yanton is a long-time dive guide, he started scuba diving when he was 15 years old in 1998, being the oldest diver in Manado's community, North Sulawesi (NDC). In his 25 year career as a dive guide he's worked around Indonesia, at both dive centre resorts and liveaboards.
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He smiles at you most all the time, is very energetic, and will always ensure your dive is enjoyable.
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Superpower: A musical duracell bunny
Weakness: Infectious laughing
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Iklas
Iklas was born in North Sulawesi, and raised on Togean Island, in a village called Ketupat.
Despite his young age, he's already worked at a few resorts in Togean, Bunaken, and Raja Ampat before he started working at Soul scuba divers.
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His passion is music and you can often hear him playing and singing in our lounge or on the jetty in the evening.
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Superpower: Quick learner, sucking up information like a sponge
Weakness: Women
Erwin
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Erwin is a dive guide hailing from the beautiful region of Manado. Known for his professionalism and calm demeanor, Erwin consistently makes our customers happy with his excellent guidance and underwater expertise. When he's not leading dives, he helps with servicing equipment, ensuring everything is in top-notch condition.
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Erwin has a special fondness for macro creatures, and his keen eye for spotting these tiny wonders adds a unique touch to every dive.
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Superpower: Making customers happy, spotting the tiniest macro creatures
Weakness: Can get lost in admiration of macro life
Ray
Ray, born and raised in Yenbuba village on Mansuar Island, is a valued member of our team at Soul Scuba Divers. He started as boat crew on the Anna and quickly became known for his ever-present smile and helpful nature. Whether he’s handing you water or switching out your tanks after a dive, Ray’s positive energy is always there to brighten your day on the boat.
This year, Ray earned his divemaster certification with us and is now training as a dive guide! His knowledge of the local waters and warm personality make him a natural fit for guiding, and he’s well on his way to becoming an exceptional dive leader.
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Superpower: Mister Smiley – Ray’s smile can turn any day around!
Weakness: Despite his excellent English, he’s a bit on the shy side. But give him a dive mask, and his confidence shines through!
captain
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ANCA
Originally from Ambon in Maluku, Anca has made Raja Ampat his home for many years. A cornerstone of the Soul Scuba team, Anca is a skilled captain and a multi-talented team member who started as one of our very first dive guides. His deep knowledge of Raja Ampat—both above and below the surface—comes from years of experience and dedication to the region’s beauty and conservation.
Anca is known for his willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need, whether it’s helping a guest or supporting his teammates. With a calm demeanor and a wealth of expertise, Anca is both a trusted captain and a friend to all who know him.
Superpower: One of the kindest hearts you’ll ever meet.
Weakness: He can’t resist helping everyone, even when he’s already juggling a dozen tasks.
Malik
Malik is the newest addition to the Soul Scuba Divers team, hailing from the beautiful region of Papua. As our skilled captain, Malik brings years of experience navigating speed boats in Sorong, ensuring our divers reach their destinations safely and swiftly. His super motivated attitude and willingness to assist wherever needed make him a valuable team member.
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Though Malik is a bit shy, this only adds to his charm and endears him to both staff and divers alike.
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Superpower: Smile
Weakness: Shyness occasionally causes him to hide behind the wheel
Frangky
Frangky, originally from Biak Island, is our seasoned captain at Soul Scuba Divers. With years of experience navigating the waters of Raja Ampat, he knows these seas like the back of his hand. Frangky’s deep knowledge of local conditions and routes ensures every dive trip is smooth, safe, and enjoyable for our guests. His calm demeanor and expert skills at the helm make him an invaluable part of our team and a reassuring presence on every journey.
Superpower: Sea Sense – Frangky seems to know the ocean’s every mood and can spot a dolphin from miles away!
Weakness: Rarely gets a chance to show off his storytelling skills—he’s usually busy keeping us on the course!
boat crew
Sofian
Sofian, from Biak Island in Papua, is a warm yet quiet presence on our dive team. As part of the boat crew, he’s always there with a smile, ready to lend a hand and make sure your tanks are switched smoothly between dives. Sofian’s calm, attentive nature helps set a relaxed atmosphere on board, allowing guests to enjoy every dive with ease.
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Superpower: The Quiet Helper – Sofian’s smile and readiness to help say more than words!
Weakness: Prefers letting his actions speak for him, so you’ll rarely catch him chatting on the boat!
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KILA
Kila from Yenbuba village, is one of our hardworking boat crew members at Soul Scuba Divers. Known for his dedication and energy, he’s always there to assist divers and keep the boat in top shape. Kila’s hands-on approach makes him a key part of the team—especially when his fingers are free from those occasional scrapes and bumps that come with the job!
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Superpower: Tireless worker – there’s no task too big for Kila!
Weakness: Minor finger wounds that try to slow him down, but never for long!
kitchen
Thina & NOVI
Thina is from Yenbuba village, she is Novi's mom.
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Novi enjoys planting different vegetables and fruits with Thina in our little garden.
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Superpower: Super mama
Weakness: She has fried every last banana on Kri Island
JULIANA
Juliana is the heart and soul of the kitchen at Soul Scuba Divers. Always smiling and eager to help, Juliana whips up delightful snacks that keep our divers fueled and happy. Her culinary skills and cheerful demeanour make the kitchen a warm and welcoming place for everyone.
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When she's not busy creating tasty treats, Juliana enjoys chatting with staff and spreading positivity.
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Superpower: Chief creator of delicious snacks
Weakness: Occasionally takes jokes a little too seriously
LANDTEAM
Inzar - CARPENTER
Inzar is our talented carpenter and handyman, hailing from Yenbuba village on Mansuar island. Inzar has played a crucial role in building our new dive center and crafting the beautiful furniture in our Lounge. Known for his hard work and dedication, Inzar ensures that everything around the dive center is in top shape.
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On Saturdays, after a few beers, Inzar's loving and affectionate side shines through, endearing him even more to the team.
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Superpower: Building and fixing anything with skill and dedication
Weakness: Becomes exceptionally loving after a few beers on Saturdays
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MACHMUD - MECHANIC
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Meet Machmud, our skilled mechanic and electrical expert at Soul Scuba Divers. Originally from Sorong, with roots in Papua and Sulawesi, Machmud brings both local knowledge and technical expertise to our team. Growing up in Papua, he developed a deep connection to the region's vibrant marine environment, which inspired him to also become a certified divemaster. Though his primary role is ensuring our boats and equipment run smoothly. Machmud’s commitment to safety and efficiency plays a crucial role in making sure every dive trip goes smoothly, from mechanics to electrical systems. We're proud to have him as part of our team, working behind the scenes to keep Soul Scuba running at its best
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Superpower: Whether it’s a boat engine, electrical gear, or a stubborn piece of dive equipment, he’s the “MacGyver” of Soul Scuba Divers.
Weakness: Despite his skill, he’s always on the hunt for that one missing bolt
MEDI - COMPRESSOR OPERATOR
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Medi, our dedicated compressor operator from Manado, keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes at Soul Scuba Divers. Known for his precise timing and attention to detail, he carefully tracks each tank and monitors machine conditions to ensure top performance. With his commitment to efficiency and hard work, Medi is quickly becoming the “Hulk” of the team, carrying tanks to the boat with impressive strength and endurance.
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Superpower: Tank Timing Guru – Medi knows exactly when every tank is ready to go!
Weakness: Soon-to-be “Hulk” strength means he might need bigger shirts soon!