Part of a coffee table book series that showcases the underwater beauty of East Nusa Tenggara, Lembata Underwater is presented by the East Nusa Tenggara government who took twelve photographers on a special journey. The Governor, Frans Lebu Raya said, “The Government of East Nusa Tenggara is focusing on developing its tourism. In line with that, Lembata Underwater and the rest of the underwater book series are published to introduce the tourism potential of East Nusa Tenggara and to encourage (the public) to love the wealth of East Nusa Tenggara; including the sea and everything in it.”
Lembata is one of the regencies in East Nusa Tenggara. With scenery filled with hills and mountains, surrounded by the sea that is along the migration path of many whale species, the destination offers a special experience for all visitors. To fully capture the thriving marine ecosystem in the province and to further increase public reach, the photographers were selected based on their experience, skills and social media presence. Led by Muljadi Pinneng Sulungbudi, the team members include Nadine Chandrawinata, Gemala Hanafiah, Marischka Prudence, Edward Suhadi, Dewi Wilaisono, Malinda Wilaisono, Ferry Rusli, Chikuyama, Anto Motulz, Rahung Nasution and Christie Wagner.
The skeleton shrimp on the cover is just a glimpse of the unique underwater species that can be found in Lembata. Other species include devil scorpionfish, frogfish, hornshark, wobbegong and many more. For divers who love to explore new and rich diving spots, Lembata would feel like a paradise. Some of the photographers also took the opportunity to contribute their special touches for the book. For example, Anto Moulz as a sketcher captured some of the views in his sketches, while Rahung Nasution as a food anthropologist learned the culinary charms from the locals.
