RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia has once again drawn the world's attention at the 7th Close-Up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) event, which was announced in early 2026. Two underwater photos taken in Indonesian waters made it into the top three in the Underwater category, one of which showcases the charm of the Lembeh Strait in Bitung City, North Sulawesi.

Daniel Sly, an Australian photographer, won second place in the Underwater category with his portrait of an orange-colored frogfish (Antennarius pictus) standing in stark contrast against the black volcanic sand of Lembeh Strait. The distinctive dark sand is an ideal habitat for rare marine macro species, while also creating a dramatic and powerful visual composition.

The Lembeh Strait is a body of water that separates the main island of Sulawesi from Lembeh Island, with the city of Bitung located on one side. This area is known for its high marine biodiversity and is dubbed a “paradise for underwater photography” due to its wealth of unique biota.

Close-Up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) is an annual international event that celebrates the art of close-up, macro, and micro photography through global competitions and various themed challenges. The competition covers a variety of categories such as Underwater, Animals, Insects, and Young (Under 18s), and in its seventh edition, it attracted more than 12,000 entries from 63 countries.

The success of underwater photos from the Lembeh Strait in breaking into the top three of these prestigious events has helped raise the profile of Indonesian marine tourism in the eyes of the world. This international spotlight is considered to have the potential to increase tourist interest, especially among divers and underwater photographers, in visiting Bitung City and North Sulawesi.

The waters of the Lembeh Strait are known as a habitat for various unique species that are rarely found elsewhere, making them a special attraction for the global diving community. However, the existence of these rare species also faces challenges such as pollution and pressure from human activities that need to be anticipated together.

This achievement once again underscores the richness of Indonesia's marine biodiversity, which has gained international recognition. This accomplishment is not only a source of pride, but also a reminder of the importance of preserving marine ecosystems sustainably to ensure that Lembeh Strait remains a world-class destination for underwater photography.