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

Meet the humble heroes behind the Indonesian tuna catch and get inspired by their stories

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.