meet our fishermen
heroes of the seas
For centuries, the act of one-by-one tuna fishing in Indonesia has passed from one generation to the next. It is therefore not surprising that Indonesia is a global leader in one-by-one tuna fishery and that this methodology has such an economic, social and cultural impact on coastal communities.
Stories from the fiShermen




Kasim, Aceh, Indonesia
I am a handline fishing captain on the KM Idola vessel. I am also a hard worker and I have been working for 15 years as a fisherman. My principle of my life is : Whatever we get is the result that God gives today, because God has never changed people’s livelihood.
La Manara, Buton, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia
My motto of my life is: Even though it’s far and difficult, we will still look for tuna because tuna is our sustenance. I am not only went to sea in the waters of Buton, but also sailed to the east. If there is fish and enough fuel, I will definitely look to the East.
Albert Waromi, Sorong, West Papua, Indonesia
I have been working as a pole and line fisherman in Sorong for 30 years. I started my career in 1984 by becoming a crew (ABK). In 1990 I was finally appointed as a captain of the ship to this day. In 2016 I was given the additional responsibility of becoming the head of pole and line fishery cooperative at PT Radios Apirja Sorong. I also revealed that I had never switched to another ship that used fishing gear other than pole and line.
Fijay Baranuntu (17), Bitung, Sulawesi, Indonesia.
When I’m pole-and-line fishing, I know I’m following in my father’s footsteps. That’s a good feeling. To continue to do the same things, the same way my father did. I hope I can do this for many years and pass it on to my children later.