Another Successful Beach Cleanup at Gili Air: The First One After Ramadan Led by Divemaster Ziki

Last Friday marked a special milestone at Oceans 5 Gili Air—the first beach cleanup after the holy month of Ramadan. With hearts full and gloves on, our community came together once again for our weekly cleanup tradition, showing that caring for our island doesn’t pause, even after a month of reflection and fasting. Led by our enthusiastic divemaster Ziki, the event was a true testament to the collective spirit and ongoing dedication of Gili Air’s residents, dive professionals, and visitors.

As the clock hit 17:00, volunteers began gathering in front of the Oceans 5 dive center, ready to give back to the island we all love so much. Some were first-timers—tourists who had heard about the cleanups and wanted to join—while others were familiar faces who never miss a chance to contribute to the cause. There was a special energy in the air, perhaps a mix of post-Ramadan renewal and the excitement of returning to this weekly routine of conservation and community action.

Ziki, who recently became a divemaster at Oceans 5, took the lead. His enthusiasm was contagious. After a short welcome speech and safety briefing, he handed out gloves and bags, generously provided by Oceans 5 Gili Air. He divided the volunteers into smaller teams, ensuring that every corner of the harbor beach was covered. As he spoke about why this cleanup matters, it was clear he wasn’t just fulfilling a duty—he genuinely cared.
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Once everything was set, the teams fanned out along the shoreline. The harbor area of Gili Air, although breathtaking in its natural beauty, can become a collection point for rubbish—especially after storms and the increased human activity that follows the Idul Fitri celebrations. Plastic packaging, straws, bottle caps, fishing line, and food wrappers were among the most common finds this time. It didn’t take long before the bags began to fill.

What stood out was the camaraderie. Locals chatted with travelers, divemaster candidates swapped stories with Oceans 5 staff, and everyone shared a common purpose: to protect our ocean and its shores. Children from nearby homes ran over to help, proudly showing off the items they found. Conversations turned from casual introductions to meaningful discussions about sustainability, marine conservation, and how small actions can lead to big changes.

After about an hour, the teams regrouped at the dive center. Volunteers returned with full bags and tired but smiling faces. The bags were placed on the weighing scale—this time, the total weight of the collected trash came to an impressive 45 kilograms. That’s 45 kg of waste that will no longer pose a threat to marine life, end up in the ocean, or spoil the island's natural charm. It was a reminder that even in a single hour, we can make a huge difference when we work together.

With the hard part done, it was time for a reward. Everyone who participated was treated to a well-deserved drink, courtesy of Oceans 5. It was a chance to sit down, relax, and reflect on the impact of the afternoon. Some volunteers used the moment to ask more about the conservation work Oceans 5 is involved in, while others simply enjoyed the good company and the sunset slowly fading behind Lombok’s majestic coastline.

Oceans 5 Gili Air has been organizing these beach cleanups since 2010—that’s more than a decade of dedication to protecting the environment. As a PADI Career Development Centre and the leading conservation dive center on Gili Air, Oceans 5 has always made marine conservation a core part of its identity. Weekly cleanups are more than a tradition here—they are a statement. A statement that we all share responsibility for the health of our planet and that we can take action, no matter how small it seems.

What makes these cleanups even more powerful is the message they send to the local community and tourists alike: that we can do something about it. Rubbish on the beach isn’t someone else’s problem. It’s everyone’s. And by showing up every Friday, the team at Oceans 5, together with the volunteers, demonstrate that consistent, grassroots efforts can—and do—make a difference.
For Ziki, it was a proud moment. Stepping into a leadership role, he guided the entire event with confidence and care. It’s moments like these that showcase how Oceans 5 not only trains great divers but also shapes future conservation leaders. Many of our divemaster candidates finish their internships with a deep sense of environmental responsibility, ready to carry the torch of conservation wherever they dive next.

So what’s next? Another cleanup, of course!
If you’re on Gili Air and want to give something back, we’d love for you to join us. Every Friday at 17:00, we meet in front of Oceans 5 Gili Air, just by the harbor. We’ll provide the gloves, the bags, and the positive vibes—you just bring your energy and your smile. Whether you’re here for a few days or plan to stay longer, your contribution matters. You don’t need to be a diver to help protect the ocean; you just need to care.
These weekly cleanups remind us that we are part of something bigger. Each piece of trash collected, each plastic bottle removed from the sand, is a small step toward a cleaner and healthier world. And every person who joins helps grow the movement of conscious, active stewardship of the ocean.

Thank you again to everyone who joined last Friday, and an extra big shoutout to Ziki for leading with heart and purpose. We can’t wait to see you all again next week.

See you this Friday at 17:00 in front of Oceans 5 Gili Air. Let’s clean the beach, protect our ocean, and share another cold drink after a job well done.