About Us | Soul Scuba Divers

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.

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.

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.

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.

NICO

Nico is a highly experienced mechanic from Papua, bringing years of expertise from various resorts to Soul Scuba Divers. As our boat engine specialist, Nico not only ensures our engines run smoothly but also has the skills to build and renovate boats. Currently, he is meticulously maintaining our boat, Aline, to prepare for the upcoming high season.

Nico's calm demeanor, respect for targets, and innovative ideas make him an invaluable member of our team, consistently contributing to our success.

Superpower: Expertly maintaining and renovating boats with precision and creativity

Weakness: His calm nature sometimes leads him to spend a little extra time perfecting every detail

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

He smiles at you most all the time, is very energetic, and will always ensure your dive is enjoyable.

Superpower: A musical duracell bunny

Weakness: Infectious laughing

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.

His passion is music and you can often hear him playing and singing in our lounge or on the jetty in the evening.

Superpower: Quick learner, sucking up information like a sponge

Weakness: Women

Erwin

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.

Erwin has a special fondness for macro creatures, and his keen eye for spotting these tiny wonders adds a unique touch to every dive.

Superpower: Making customers happy, spotting the tiniest macro creatures

Weakness: Can get lost in admiration of macro life

captain

LUKI

Luki is our main captain and AUX cord genius. He has been driving boats in Raja Ampat for 25 years and is originally from Ambon on the Maluku Islands. Luki waits for our divers with a big smile and a cup of frsh water at the surface.

He was with us during the whole COVID period, despite the closure of our dive centre.

Superpower: Most experienced captain in the region

Weakness: Playlist choice

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.

Though Malik is a bit shy, this only adds to his charm and endears him to both staff and divers alike.

Superpower: Smile

Weakness: Shyness occasionally causes him to hide behind the wheel

ANCA

Anca is from Ambon, Maluku. He has been living in Raja Ampat for a long time now. He is multi-talented, and was one of the first dive guides in Soul scuba team.

He knows Raja Ampat both above and below the surface.

Superpower: One of the most kind hearts you'll find.

Weakness: He is always willing to help everyone no matter what

boat crew

Papa Juliano

One of our captains and an all-round helper.

Papa Juliano always manages to be in the right place at the right time. Whenever you need a helping hand just look up and he'll be waiting.

Superpower: An infectious laugh and the friendliest smile on Kri

Weakness: Will only speak to you in Indonesian, even if you don't have a clue what he's saying.

Ray

Rayl was born in Yenbuba village on Mansuar Island.

You can see Ray on the Anna boat as boat crew. He is always smiling, handing you water after your dives, and changing your tanks after the dives. Ray is currently being trained as a dive guide!

Superpower: Mister Smiley

Weakness: Speaks great English, but he's a bit shy

Land team

Jordan

Jordan is the first employee for Soul Initiatives NGO, dedicated to sorting waste and promoting sustainability at Soul Scuba Divers. Originally from Papua, Jordan is known for his bright smile and tireless work ethic. He not only excels at his own tasks but also lends a hand to others when his sorting station has less waste to manage.

Jordan's positive attitude and willingness to assist make him a fantastic addition to our team, embodying the spirit of cooperation and environmental stewardship.

Superpower: Efficiently sorts waste , all while spreading smiles and positivity

Weakness: Can’t resist helping others, even when his station is spotless

kitchen

Thina & NOVI

Thina is from Yenbuba village, she is Novi's mom.

Novi enjoys planting different vegetables and fruits with Thina in our little garden.

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.

When she's not busy creating tasty treats, Juliana enjoys chatting with staff and spreading positivity.

Superpower: Chief creator of delicious snacks

Weakness: Occasionally takes jokes a little too seriously

builder

Inzar

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.

On Saturdays, after a few beers, Inzar's loving and affectionate side shines through, endearing him even more to the team.

Superpower: Building and fixing anything with skill and dedication

Weakness: Becomes exceptionally loving after a few beers on Saturdays

Dimas (Masmur)

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.

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.

Superpower: Can fix or build anything in record time

Weakness: Must make regular trips to his beloved lobster farm in Kendari