“Noticing the changes in the ocean – desolate fishing grounds, less fish – I realized that unsustainable fishing methods are depleting our fishery resources.” As a part of the Bajo people, a seafaring tribe from Indonesia and the Philippines that lives off the ocean, Hartono spends most of his time on the water. As a fisherman, he’s witnessing how damaging illegal fishing practices have become to the marine environment. Committed to advocate for the ocean’s well-being, Hartono is the leader of sustainable fishing group Sanggeh Kami. Also, he’s a member of the Ranger Partner community of Wakatobi National Park, where he deals with people practicing illegal, destructive fishing methods. Although this job doesn’t come without risk, Hartono is adamant to protect his waters.
