But then, he saw a new purpose---a way to prevent others from experiencing the suffering he had endured. He began organizing prospective migrant fishers, educating them about their rights before they set sail. He taught them how to stand up for themselves, how to recognize exploitation, and how to seek help if needed.
Jangkar: An Anchor for Fishers
With this mission in mind, Ari founded Jangkar Karat Maritime in Tegal District, Central Java---one of Indonesia's primary sources of migrant fishers. The organization's name, which translates to "Rusty Anchor" in English, symbolizes the resilience and struggles of fishers navigating the harsh realities of the industry. The organization quickly became a lifeline for fishers, offering skills in safety on board, guidance, legal assistance, and a sense of community. What started as a small initiative soon grew into a movement. Today, Jangkar has reached over 1,000 members and has a database of 10,000 Indonesian fishers working in Korea. He and his team are now well-connected with the key government stakeholders and partnered with the ILO's project tackling forced labour in the fishing sector.
Through Jangkar, Ari has become more than just a survivor---he is a leader, an advocate, and a symbol of resilience. His journey from a struggling street worker to an international labour rights champion proves that even in the face of relentless hardship, one person can create waves of change.
Ari Purboyo set out looking for a better life. Instead, he became the anchor that keeps thousands of fishers from being lost at sea.
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