Captain Jufri of Ombak Putih: The Craft of Seamanship

By Widya Hapsari

Captain Jufri did not begin his journey at the helm. He started as a deckhand on cargo vessels, learning the sea from the ground up. Those early years shaped his discipline and resilience. While working, he developed himself, acquiring formal maritime ratings and certifications. Over time, he moved through different roles before eventually becoming captain, commanding both cargo and tourism vessels across Indonesian waters.

Life as a Captain

Before joining SeaTrek, he had worked on several tourism boats. What brought him to SeaTrek, and what made him stay in Ombak Putih, was the onboard environment. For him, the difference is clear: the crew is unified. The deck crew, galley, and stewards support one another. They work side by side, but more importantly, they spend time together. Even during free hours, they gather, talk, and sing. This connection, in his view, strengthens safety and collaboration at sea.

When asked about his favourite route, he finds it difficult to choose. Both Raja Ampat and Komodo offer extraordinary natural beauty. However, from the captain’s perspective, he slightly prefers Komodo route. The region has clearer administrative structures and reporting systems that support navigation and coordination. At the same time, the route presents technical challenges he respects: strong currents, narrow passages, and complex entry points that require precision and constant awareness. For him, these are not obstacles, but reminders of seamanship and preparedness.

Responsibility On and Off the Boat

One moment that stayed with him occurred during a Maumere-Ambon itinerary. The weather south of Damar Island, near the Banda area, had deteriorated significantly. Strong winds made the planned crossing toward Ambon unsafe. Windy, the weather radar forecasts application, indicated that the route would be impossible. At the same time, there was no internet connection onboard to verify updated weather data. It was already night, and most coastal communities had gone to rest.

In that situation, Jufri approached a small school in a remote village, the only place known to have a Wi-Fi connection. He explained the urgency. The school guard woke up, started the generator, and allowed the team to access updated weather information. With clearer data, they made the decision to return to Maumere. It was not the original plan, but it was the safe one.

For Jufri, this moment reflects why SeaTrek’s relationship with local communities matters. Support does not exist in isolation. Over the years, SeaTrek has built connections along its sailing routes through school visits, developing two school libraries, and distributing practical items such as swimming goggles and reading glasses. These gestures build genuine trust. In remote areas, trust can become a critical safety network.

Leadership at Sea and Beyond

Away from the bridge, he is deeply devoted to his family. Yet he chooses not to share the difficulties of life at sea with them. His priority is to protect them from worry. Leadership, for him, includes carrying responsibility quietly.

He also values constructive feedback from guests. Guest experience, in his view, reflects leadership onboard. Every comment becomes an opportunity to refine operations and strengthen the team.

One of his favourite moments during a voyage is the beach BBQ. Guests enjoy SeaTrek’s famous BBQ meal while relaxing on the sand, and the guests and crew sing and dance together. In these moments, the line between the host and traveller softens. It is where the connection becomes visible.

If you have sailed with SeaTrek before, you may remember Captain Jufri’s calm presence across the vessel. And if you plan to join Ombak Putih, he always welcomes guests to visit the wheelhouse. For him, the bridge is not only a place of navigation but also a space to share perspectives and deepen his understanding of the sea.

Get to Know More of Our SeaTrek Family on Ombak Putih:

• Rizal: This is My Home Away From Home
• Chef Atin: Bringing Local Indonesian Cuisine to Life at Sea
• Julius: The Man, The Myth, The Legend
• Toni: The Long Journey at Sea
• Komang and His First Times