Victim
How long is the contract? How much is the salary?
Recruiter
The contract is for seven months. The salary is 4 million per month. Cigarettes and food will be provided.
Victim
I am ready to go to Pati.
Recruiter
Do you have any other friends who want to work? The maximum age is 45. The work is eight hours a day.
Victim
None so far. If there are any, I'll let you know. Will I go to sea immediately? Or do I go to a gathering place first?
Recruiter
You'll depart straight away. I'll invite you to the WhatsApp group.

Despite the promises, the fishermen do not go out to sea immediately.

Some of them stay in housing rented by the recruiters. Others are housed in the warehouse of PT Monster Laut Indonesia.

The crew members also ask about their contracts, but never receive a satisfactory answer.

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On 26 March 2024, the fishermen are sent to Juwana Port in Pati.

However, the ship that is supposed to take them out to sea, KM Mitra Utama Semesta, encounters technical problems.

The crew members are asked to wait. They once again ask about their contracts.

Finally, on 27 March 2024, after Azhar prayers, KM Mitra Utama Semesta goes out to sea, loaded with supplies and fuel.

© OpenStreetMap Contributers © CARTO

The ship carries the dozens of crew members eastward, towards the Aru sea.

© OpenStreetMap Contributers © CARTO