From 1-5 December 2025, the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) team came together in Sanur, Bali, for our annual Work Plan Meeting, a valuable moment to reflect on the year behind us and plan strategically for the year ahead. More than a planning exercise, the meeting was a chance to reconnect as one team and strengthen our shared commitment to healthy oceans that enrich both people and nature.

The meeting opened with an insightful update from CTC Executive Director, Rili Djohani, who highlighted key accomplishments from 2025, important lessons learned, and our collective progress toward the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan. Her presentation set the tone for the week, reminding us how far we have come while grounding our discussions in the long-term vision that guides CTC’s work across the region.

Colleagues from Bali, Maluku, Jakarta, and Timor-Leste gathered at CTC’s Center for Marine Conservation in Sanur, bringing together diverse perspectives and on-the-ground experiences. Throughout the week, teams engaged in open and constructive discussions to align priorities, refine goals, and ensure our work remains responsive to both local needs and regional conservation challenges.

Each team took turns sharing their 2025 achievements and milestones, celebrating successes ranging from strengthened partnerships and improved marine management to capacity building and community engagement. These sessions also created space to reflect honestly on challenges and identify opportunities for growth, collaboration, and innovation as we move forward.

A particularly meaningful moment during the meeting was the recognition of long-serving team members who have dedicated more than 15 years to advancing marine conservation with CTC. We proudly honored Marthen Welly, Senior Marine Conservation Adviser; Wira Sanjaya, Bali Portfolio Manager; and Denny Boy Mochran, Training Specialist. Their unwavering commitment, leadership, and passion have helped shape CTC into the organization it is today. We extend our deepest thanks for their years of service and continued inspiration.

As the Work Plan Meeting concluded, a sense of shared purpose was clear. With renewed energy, stronger alignment, and a collective vision for impact, CTC enters the year ahead ready to grow, strengthen our work, and deepen our role as guardians of the ocean. Together, we look forward to building on our momentum and becoming even better protectors of the seas that sustain us all.

Writer: Kayla Azzahra
Photos: CTC