Dian Hadiani

The Interview

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your latest work.

„My name is Dian Hadiani, I’m from Indonesia and live in Indonesia. I have authored three books. My latest work is The Chronicles of G-Land, an investigation into the history of the first surf camp in the world, located in East Java, Indonesia. Thankfully, the demand for it is increasing globally, even though it was published in 2022.“

2. From your perspective, how has the relationship between surf culture, tourism, and the marine environment evolved in Indonesia?

„The ocean gives many benefits for humankind. Development on the coastline should not contaminate the ocean with sewage. I know some places dump their sewage straight into the ocean, or dump plastic rubbish into rivers—which ultimately ends up in the ocean. That’s not smart; it literally will end tourism, leave sea creatures trapped in plastic, and so on. Almost all surfers I know are very aware and want to protect the ocean, and we can easily see why.“

3. You’ve been hands-on with environmental efforts in G-Land. Can you share some of your experiences on the ground?

„In 2023, I was one of many who involved themselves with WSL’s We Are One Ocean—the environmental conservation activities during the WSL Pro-surf Contest in G-Land. I also created an initiative concept to provide advocacy for the Alas Purwo National Park team, where the world’s first surf camp is located.“

4. What are the key environmental challenges facing Grajagan Bay today?

„While there is a mutual benefit for surfers and local people economically, unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case for the environment. Grajagan Bay / G-Land is in a ‘protected jungle’—home to wild animals, some nearly extinct. Because of commercial camps expanding in the 90s, the status of its terrestrial zoning changed into a national park.“

5. How does your book address these complex environmental and historical shifts?

„My answer is simple: look at the jungle of G-Land, how it was and how it is. My book, The Chronicles of G-Land, chronicles the history of jungle management and its changes.“

6. What proactive steps can the global surf community take to support regions like G-Land?

„If you look closely at what’s happening with the ocean, the surf terrestrial area, and the local community, many ‘rescue’ actions can be achieved through the concept that ‘surfers and industries must give back.’„

7. When diverse surf cultures collide with local ecosystems, how do we balance progress with preservation?

„Whenever two different cultures collide, there will be changes; it is not always bad, and good things occur too. It depends entirely on the consciousness of both sides to preserve the environment and respect each culture.“

8. Who ultimately bears the responsibility for protecting these vulnerable coastal regions—the individual surfer, the brands, or local governments?

„Absolutely! But it is not only the surfing community and industry who have a responsibility. I strongly believe the local government, which holds the authority, needs to take more responsibility.“

9. You’ve noted a shift in how the surf industry operates today compared to past decades. What has been lost and gained?

„I am always fascinated by the 1960s and 70s surf stories—how the surf industry was very ‘personal’ and close to its users. That value has been forgotten as the industry started to become a giant. However, I think there are still small-scale operators who remain very personal with their users.“

10. For readers wanting to dive deeper or support grassroots action, what books or organisations do you recommend?

„A book? Of course, I recommend The Chronicles of G-Land, haha! As for an organisation, Sungai Watch does incredible environmental work cleaning up rivers and coastlines.“

11. What is your direct message to the new generation of surfers coming up today?

„I have had experiences talking with new-generation surfers who don’t know anything about the history of surfing—the places, the legendary surfers. So, my message to young surfers is: watch and read about the history of surfing. Trust me, the older generation of surfers will teach you the proper values of being a surfer, and understanding the history of any surf destination will make you much more respectful toward it.“