Wicked Tuna

Indonesia, as an archipelagic nation, is blessed with vast waters and a rich variety of marine commodities, with tuna being the most significant. Tuna not only serves as a primary income source for the country but also supports fishermen and their communities. However, the high value of tuna has led to overfishing, raising concerns about the decreasing population and smaller sizes. Tuna for export must weigh at least 37.5 lbs, adding to the pressure.

This photo project focuses on Port Hamadi in Jayapura, one of Indonesia's largest tuna fishing centers. It captures the traditional methods of delivering, storing, and distributing tuna. Through a street documentary style, photographer Arif Rudiana aims to portray the lives of those who rely on tuna for their livelihoods. The project highlights both the economic potential of maritime resources and the need for sustainable policies to ensure long-term benefits for Indonesia’s maritime communities.

Arif Rudiana

Arif Rudiana is a street and documentary photographer from Bandung, Indonesia. His interest in photography began in the mid-1990s and intensified after acquiring his first digital camera in 2005.

Initially drawn to landscape photography for its visual beauty, Rudiana turned to street photography in 2011 after discovering Alex Webb's The Suffering of Light and Fred Herzog's Modern Color. These works ignited his deep passion for street photography, which has since become his way of life.

In Rudiana’s photography journey, he became interested in dynamic environments, particularly traditional markets and fishing ports, where the bustling atmosphere and vibrant colors offer rich storytelling opportunities.

For Rudiana, street and documentary photography is a window into real life, and he sees this journey as one that is continually evolving.