Sustainability Success Stories
The Pioneering Days of Alyui
In 1997, Sugiwati Maria Ndolu embarked on a journey that would define her career and become a remarkable chapter in the history of Atlas Pearls. At just 20 years old, Sugi was leaving behind her family in Kupang, stepping onto a boat that carried not only equipment and supplies but also the hopes and dreams of a pearl farming endeavor that had barely begun. It was a journey into the unknown, to a place few had ever heard of – Alyui Bay, deep in the remote reaches of West Papua.
“We built Alyui Bay with our hands, our hearts, and our hopes. When I look back at that time, I see the resilience it took. We were just a small group of people, but together, we created something that has lasted decades.”
The work progressed rapidly. Within a year, they had constructed a functioning pearl farm and a community. Base camps, including a hatchery, housing, and common areas, began to take shape. “We were no longer just workers; we were builders, creators. Each one of us had a role to play, whether it was in construction, organizing operations, or taking care of the longlines. It felt like we were building something bigger than ourselves.”
In those early days, the team relied on each other and the leadership of Joseph Taylor. “He was our guide, not just in technical matters, but in life. He was strict, but he taught us so much. He was the kind of person who could inspire you, and we believed in his vision.”
“We were no longer just workers; we were builders, creators. Each one of us had a role to play, whether it was in construction, organizing operations, or taking care of the longlines. It felt like we were building something bigger than ourselves.”
Despite the physical challenges and the isolation of the location, Sugi thrived. She learned the ropes of pearl farming, gaining technical skills that would later propel her into leadership roles. “What I loved most was the diversity of the work – from the intense, meticulous tasks of seeding and harvest to the thrill of seeing new people arrive, ready to join our efforts. Every day was different, and every success was shared.”
As the years went on, Alyui Bay grew, as a pearl farm and as a symbol of possibility. What began as a small team of pioneers had turned into a thriving hub of innovation, where pearls were harvested and where relationships, knowledge, and opportunities flourished. For Sugi, the journey from a young, inexperienced woman to a leader in pearl operations reflects the spirit of that pioneering time.
Today, Sugi is the assistant technical manager for Atlas Pearls. Her story is one of courage, perseverance, and vision – a true testament to what can be achieved when a group of people follow a dream and work together to turn it into reality.
Written by Cath Witten
