Asian Diver and Scuba Diver Issue No. 5/2014 Volume 134 | Page 6

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Encouraging national,
regional and international
initiatives on coral reef
conservation, with the aim
of ensuring food security
and nutrition in the region

...THE SPIRIT OF THIS
MAN WILL LIVE FOREVER
IN OUR HEARTS...
community in North Sulawesi
started in large part as a result of
his vision, generosity and tenacity
– and his appreciation for the
need to preserve the environment.
In recent years, the situation on
Bangka Island has been deeply
troubling. Hanny had little respect
for business people and politicians
who continue to want to exploit
these islands and reefs, skirt the law
and blatantly line their pockets.
In the last few years, Dr
Batuna served on the Board of
the Historical Diving Society Asia
(HDSA). He also attended the Asia
Dive Expo (ADEX) in April 2014 as
he had done many times in the past.
Sadly, on May 19, 2014, at the age of
76, Dr Batuna passed away.
Laying Hanny to rest, his
family paid tribute to a fine
gentleman, a pioneer, a man
who helped thousands during

his life, a wonderful father and
an exemplary husband – their
patriarch. Hanny’s colourful life was
cut short unexpectedly after a fall
while cutting weeds in his pineapple
orchard, a short distance from the
ocean. No doubt the last sounds
in Hanny’s ears were those of the
gently breaking waves of Manado
Bay. People say that the mark of
someone who led a good life, a
decent life, an honest life, is that they
get to die where and how they want.
Although he was a quiet man,
there is no place on Earth Hanny
would rather have had a funeral at
than his home, Murex, a place he
built with love and hard work. The
service was postponed by virtue of
family and friends traveling from
afar and the cultural rituals. All
week, people poured in to pay their
respects, greet Mrs Batuna and
family and learn of what transpired.

Family and friends arrived from
Gorantalo, Jakarta, Singapore,
Bangkok, Denver, and elsewhere.
Hundreds upon hundreds came
to visit, including many former
staff that Hanny had recruited,
trained and nurtured. A full boat of
villagers from the island of Bangka
had a meal, sang a few songs and
departed for their three-hour voyage
home. Several from his beloved
farm in Tulap came and stayed to
help prepare meals and serve guests.
Many stayed up all night to keep
Hanny company, playing guitar,
singing and reminiscing.
Brothers, in-laws, nephews,
nieces and grandchildren hugged,
laughed, ate (and ate and ate) and
cried. No doubt Hanny was smiling
as his grandchildren played, his
friends relaxed in reflective but
happy conversation, and his family
marvelled in disbelief, knowing
full well Papa didn’t want to bother
anyone, especially his wife Ineke.
If we could have heard Hanny
again, he’d probably have humbly
said, “See, isn’t this a nice place for
everyone to have a party?”
Nobody can fill the shoes of
Hanny Batuna, considered by many
as a second father. Murex will never
be the same without their patriarch.
However, the spirit of this man will
live forever in our hearts and in
Murex. His presence will always be
felt… and will always be missed.
Hanny was once asked how he
made Murex successful. His answer
was simple: “Just keep it going.”
Having selflessly dedicated so much
of his life to giving, that’s all he asks
of us – keep it going, don’t give up.
We owe this to him. You will never
be forgotten. God bless you.