THE TEAM
An international team of eleven cave divers, have been handpicked among the world’s best to carry out the tasks of cave exploration, mapping, photo documentation and scientific sampling of physical, chemical and biological data. Equipped with specialised life-support equipment and advanced gear to safely navigate the intricate cave system, the team will facilitate the exploration, unlocking new realms of scientific discovery.
A team of six dry-caving experts from Indonesia will explore two adjacent systems with the goal of discovering new entrances to the aquifer, ultimately improving access for a sustainable water supply. The team will complete a map, do photo documentation and scientific sampling of physical, chemical and biological data.
World-class documentarians will showcase the cave’s stunning beauty and unique features above and below water. Their captivating videography and photography will support scientific, educational and conservation purposes as well as establishing baseline data for future studies and media outreach.
Our scientists will undertake geomorphology and hydrologic surveys to illustrate the cave’s scope and water flow dynamics while identifying external impacts from contamination, microplastics and climate change. Customized, pioneering field sampling protocols and analysis will provide the scientific basis for ecosystem preservation and UNESCO Global Geopark recognition. Biological samples will describe the genetic biodiversity of the cave ecosystems, including new species.
DIVING TEAM
Maria Bollerup
Project Manager & Science Team Diver
Maria was part of the original team, that dived and explored the cave system. The beauty of the cave and the wish for diving with a purpose gave Maria the idea of Expedition Buteng.
An expedition that would combine true exploration, true science and true purpose.
During the expedition, she will be buddying up with Rannva Jourmundsson, collecting the scientific data in the flooded parts of the cave.
The team is also referred to as the “Bunny Team”, as they will be jumping between tasks and in where they are needed underwater.
Maria and Rannva will also focus on the scalability of the expedition, establishing a blueprint for the upcoming leg of the project and future aquifers to be explored.
Website: www.nixie-expeditions.com
Instagram: bollerup_gonediving
Rannva Joermundsson
Project Manager & Science Team Diver
Rannva’s experience as a team member on the Xunaan-Ha cave Expedition in 2021 ignited her passion for cave diving and conservation.
Rannva is a co-founder of NIXIE Expeditions and an integral member of the core team behind this project.
As part of her role in the expedition, Rannva will be collaborating closely with Maria to ensure the collection of scientific data from various parts of the cave.
The Buteng Expedition marks the first in a series of planned aquifer conservation projects where specialist cave divers and speleologists will work hand in hand to gather scientific data and collaborate with local communities to achieve sustainable water management and conservation.
Rannva and Maria’ will focus on the scalability of the expedition, establishing a blueprint for the upcoming leg of the project and future aquifers to be explored by Nixie Expeditions.
Website: www.nixie-expeditions.com
Instagram: rannvaj
Rasmus Dysted
Expedition Leader & Push Diver
With over 30 years of experience as a professional diver and dive training expert, Rasmus has established himself as a leading figure in the industry.
Rasmus trains advanced cave diving instructors globally and leads technical divers, setting new industry benchmarks.
Rasmus’ vast experience makes him the ultimate decision-maker during expeditions. As the expedition leader, he will supervise all aspects of the project, from the outset to completion.
Additionally, Rasmus will be part of one of the push teams whose responsibility is to explore and extend the physical distance into the cave.
Website: www.technicaldivingcourses.com
Facebook: Rasmus Dysted
Robin Cuesta
Head of Logistics & Push Diver
Robin’s passion for cave exploration led him to establish himself as the very first cave diver in Indonesia.
His strong relationships with the villages, local government officials, and scientists at the University of Gadhja Mada have been instrumental in securing the success of the project.
Robin’s interest in cave exploration and aquifer conservation, coupled with his awareness of the risks associated with the exploitation of similar aquifers in Indonesia, is one of the driving forces being Expedition Buteng.
Natalie Gibb
Head of Diving & Push Diver
With exceptional high standards of diving practices and years of experience within cave exploration, Natalie will be leading the dive teams.
Her role carries the responsibility of organizing the dive teams on a daily basis, to make sure that science, exploration, mapping and media is efficiently and safely conducted.
Natalie will be working closely with the expedition leader, head of science and emergency planner all the way up to and through the actual month of the expedition, choosing team equipment, safety planning, creating emergency drills, dive rosters and much much more.
Website: www.underthejungle.com
Instagram: underthejungle
David Mayor
Head of Cartography
As an underwater cartographer, David is honored for his skills of creating highly detailed cave maps by the National Speleological Society and was rewarded first prize for his first publication of the famous Mexican cave system Taj Mahal.
David will be in charge of one of the most important tasks of the expedition; to create a map that can be used both for science, and if the local community and government has the wish for it, the cave diving tourism.
Mapping underwater is extremely challenging since detail and accurate data is difficult to obtain, when having to float motionless inside a fragile cave system. Safety, accuracy and detail is of high importance for the success of the expedition.
As Head of Cartography, David will be assisted by Tamara, Dita and Arie to gather all the data needed for the Dr. Eko and his science team to understand the extend of the cave and the water that flows within it.
Website: www.davidmayorphotographer.com
www.cenotetajmahalcartographyproject.com
Instagram:
davidmayorphotographer
Audita "Dita" Harsono
Cave Survey & Mapping
Dita was initially trained in the cave of Pulau Muna by team member Robin Cuesta. It is this training along with being from Indonesia himself, that brings vital knowledge and skills to the team.
Besides being an impressive diver involved in deep ocean exploration projects, Dita is an expert storyteller, using underwater videography to document natural history. His passion for outreach will play a vital role in spreading the message of local sustainability as well as the science of the expedition across Indonesia.
Dita is trained in underwater survey and cave mapping by Head of Cartography on the expedition, David Mayor.
Instagram: auditaharsono
Tamara Lelani May
Emergency Planning & Mapping
Tamara Lelani May, a highly experienced Technical Dive Instructor and cave diving guide originally from Australia, but currently residing in Mexico. With over a decade of experience as a technical diver and instructor, Tamara is well-known for her unwavering commitment to safety and excellence in diving.
Tamara is responsible for creating all the emergency planning for the upcoming expedition. She is working closely with the Head of Diving, the Expedition Leader, our partner DAN Europe, and other invaluable consultants to ensure that the team is prepared for any emergency that might arise during the expedition.
As the Emergency Plans are ready pre-expedition, Tamara’s second role will be to assist David Mayor, Audita Harsono and Arie Saputra in the task of mapping the cave.
Website: www.divelikeaninja.com
Instagram: divelikeaninja
Arie Saputra
Cave Survey & Mapping
Arie has been a diving professional for the past 17 years, and has lead divers to destinations all over Indonesia.His knowledge and understanding of the fragile eco-systems that are present in this region of the world, along with his understanding of the local communities, aids in building strong bridges on several parameters.
He is part of the “Indonesia Divers Rescue Team” and a drone pilot. Skills that are adding to the team capabilities.
Like his dive buddy Audita Harsano, Arie has been trained as a cave diver locally in the caves of Indonesia, by Robin Cuesta.
Arie is also trained in cave surveying and mapping processes by David Mayor and will be part of the mapping team, gathering vital data on the cave parameters.
Instagram: ie.ssaputr
Alex Dawson
Underwater Photography & Videography
Alex Dawson is widely acclaimed for his exceptional talents in capturing the beauty of the underwater world through his photography.
With his signature style of utilizing wide angles and capturing expansive seascapes, he is renowned for his ability to create visually stunning imagery.
Over his 30 year diving and underwater photography career, he has been involved in projects in virtually every environment, ranging from the ice-covered waters of Greenland to the desert climates of Sudan and Saudi Arabia. Alex always strives to create a “wish I was there” feeling with his imagery, which has led to stunning images that have received first-place awards in prestigious photo competitions and global recognition.
As a key member of the team, Alex will be working tirelessly underwater with his cameras, capturing both still photography and films to document the cave’s natural wonders, as well as provide scientific data documentation.
Website:www.alex-dawson.com
Instagram: alex_dawson_photography
Magnus Mattaa
Camera & Lighting Assistant
Underwater cave photography is challenging as natural light sources are non-existing.
Artificial lights are required, and a lighting assistant is needed to position them effectively, safely and with time as a factor.
Magnus’ and Alex has been logging hours together for the past years, in the cold challenging mines of Sweden, creating stunning visuals together.
Their experience in the mines are not only making Magnus extremely valuable to Alex as an assistant, but also as a team diver and explorer for the expedition.
Jill Heinerth
Science Team Mentor
Jill Heinerth has made significant contributions in the fields of underwater exploration. She has been involved in many groundbreaking projects, including the first successful use of a 3D cave mapping device.
Jill has explored underwater caves in Antarctica’s massive B-15 iceberg and traveled to locations such as the Sahara’s desert oases and the frigid waters of Baffin Bay to assist climatologists, archaeologists, and engineers as their eyes and hands underwater.
In recognition of her lifetime achievements in exploration, Jill was awarded the Stefansson Medal by the Explorer’s Club Canadian Chapter in 2021.
Jill is mentoring and supporting the scientific diving aspect of Expedition Buteng. Given her vast experience working underwater and assisting scientists, her knowledge and expertise will prove invaluable in preparing for underwater data collection and science communication.
Website: www.intotheplanet.com
Instagram: jillheinerth
Facebook: jillheinerth
DRY CAVE TEAM
Ahmad Surya Ramadhan
Cave survey & Rescue
Madha is an Indonesian archaeologist with a strong passion for caving and diving.
He completed his bachelor’s degree in archaeology from Gadjah Mada University and went on to earn a master’s degree in maritime archaeology from Aix-Marseille Université.
His love for caving started in 2006 when he learned from various organizations, including Kapalasastra UGM, the Federation of Indonesian Speleological Activities, and the Yogyakarta Caving Community.
He specialized in cave surveying and rescue, which led him to participate in multiple cave explorations throughout Indonesia, including the Leang Pute Expedition in South Sulawesi in 2007, the Bengalon Cave Survey in East Borneo in 2010, and the Misool Archaeological Cave Survey in Raja Ampat in 2014.
Kharisma Yuda
Details to come…
Khotaman
Details to come…
SCIENCE TEAM
Dr. Eko Haryono
Lead Scientist of Expedition Buteng
With over 20 years of experience in physical geography and environmental science, Dr. Eko is a recognized expert in karst geomorphology and hydrogeology.Throughout his career, Dr. Eko has been involved in numerous research projects on karst geomorphology, hydrogeology, hydrology, carbon cycle in karst terrain, and sea level change. He has also supervised karst management regulation in Indonesia and other Asian countries.As the lead scientist of Expedition Buteng, Dr. Eko will be responsible for overseeing all scientific research conducted during the expedition. He will be working in close cooperation with the faculty at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, to ensure that all samples gathered during the expedition are handled and studied with the highest level of scientific rigor.
Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono
Environmental DNA & Biology
Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono is also a member of the Biology faculty at Gadjah Mada University, who’s field of expertise is Animal Molecular Systematics and Genetic Conservation.With Dr. Dwi’s expertize, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the study of the unique ecosystems found within caves. Dr. Dwi will be leading and managing the eDNA study of Expedition Buteng, utilizing cutting-edge molecular biology techniques to analyze the genetic makeup of the animal species present in the cave environment.His expertise in genetic conservation will be invaluable in helping us to understand the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of the species inhabiting these unique underground ecosystems.
Dr. Nastiti Wijayanti
Biology, Virology & Microbiology
Dr. Nastiti Wiyjayanti, an esteemed member of the Biology faculty at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta. As a highly respected virologist, microbiologist, and animal physiologist, Dr. Nastiti brings a wealth of expertise to her research on unique cave biology. Working alongside Dr. Eko and Dr. Dwi, Dr. Nastiti is dedicated to studying the diverse and fascinating ecosystem found within these underground environments. With her extensive knowledge of biological sciences, she is well-equipped to identify and analyze the unique microbial and animal life forms that inhabit these caves.
Ahmad Cahyadi
Hydrology, Karst Hydrology, Hydrogeology, and Small Island Hydrology
Ahmad Cahyadi is a Lecturer at the Laboratory of Environmental Hydrology and Climatology, Department of Environmental Geography, Faculty of Geography, Universitas Gadjah Mada,
Indonesia.
He received his master’s degree in Coastal and Watershed Management and is currently pursuing a doctoral program in Geography Studies, both from Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Ahmad has extensive experience in groundwater and karst hydrology and has received scholarships to study at UNESCO’s International Research Center on Karst in China and Monash University in Australia. He is an active member of the Indonesian Geographical Association, the Indonesian Association of Groundwater Experts, and the Indonesian Hydrological Society.
Ahmad has received several awards for his outstanding achievements, including the Geo-Award as the best lecturer at the Faculty of Geography, Universitas Gadjah Mada in 2021.
Juswono Budisetiawan
Field Science, Dry Cave Team & Cave Biology
Juswono Budisetiawan, a key member of the dry cave team and field science team for Expedition Buteng. Juswono currently serves as the Policy and Advocacy Specialist for the NGO YAPEKA, while also pursuing his postgraduate studies at the Biology Faculty of UGM.
Juswono brings a wealth of experience to the team, having previously worked with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and participated in several karst and speleology expeditions. With this background, he is well-equipped to contribute to the expedition’s efforts to study the unique cave biology of the Buteng cave system.
In his role as the dry cave team field scientist, Juswono will be working closely with the rest of the team to document and analyze the features of the dry caves within the system. His expertise will be invaluable in helping the team to better understand the unique ecosystem of the Buteng cave system and its potential for scientific discovery.
MEDIA TEAM
Tom Lindboe