"All That Separates Us Is Distance" Documentary About the Bitter Sweet Life of Fishermen

Illustration of fishermen/ Photo: IST

JAKARTA - The documentary All That Separates Us Is Distance is being screened in Indonesia as part of efforts to encourage discussions on the safety of fishermen and gender equality in the fisheries sector.

The film, which was produced on the initiative of the Lloyd's Register Foundation, makes Indonesia one of the three production locations. The work is also the starting point of a dialogue involving various organizations in the country, with a storytelling approach to describe the reality of the lives of fishermen and their families.

This screening also connects local experiences with global perspectives on maritime safety.

Head of Research on Maritime Law, Policy, and Governance, the Indonesian Safe Screen Movement (GISLI), Setyawati Fitrianggraeni, said that his party encouraged the creation of a safer and ethical maritime ecosystem.

"GISLI is an invitation to move together to realize a safer and ethical maritime ecosystem. We believe that the legal framework and governance achieve their highest effectiveness when prioritizing the safety and well-being of every individual who depends on the sea," he said in a statement, Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Meanwhile, the Head of Maritime Systems at Lloyd's Register Foundation, Olivia Swift, emphasized the importance of presenting the human side in the narrative about fishermen.

Head of Research on Maritime Law, Policy, and Governance GISLI, Setyawati Fitrianggraeni, Head of Maritime Systems Lloyd's Register Foundation, Olivia Swift, Coordinator of the International Fund for Fishing Safety (IFFS), Alan McCulla, Country Lead Ocean Centres Indonesia, Randhi Satria,

"News about fishermen often talks about risks, but behind it there are people with hopes, families, and communities. It is very important to tell their stories and let their voices be heard," he said.

Coordinator of the International Fund for Fishing Safety (IFFS), Alan McCulla, said fishermen in various countries have a strong connection.

"There is a bond between fishermen in Indonesia, Ghana, and the UK. The only thing that separates them is distance. In the end, the goal is to save lives, protect families, and communities," he said.

Country Lead Ocean Centres Indonesia, Randhi Satria, assessed that the screening of this film is relevant to the increasing attention to the protection of fishermen in Indonesia.

"The screening of this film comes at a very relevant moment, including with the ratification of ILO C188. Safety is an important foundation for a sustainable blue economy, in line with the principle of Safety at the Heart of Sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8 target on decent work and economic growth," he explained.

Produced by Friday's Child, the film presents real stories from the field, including filming at Pelabuhan Ratu.

The main character in the Indonesian story is M. Nurafandi alias Dede Sinar, a fisherman who represents the important role of this profession in supporting families, communities, and the food system.

The story is juxtaposed with Emmanuel in Ghana and James in England, both of whom face high risks in their work.

"Of course we are very happy to play a role in this documentary. So in this film I convey a message to the public, our experience at sea," Dede told the media, at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) building, Central Jakarta.

He said that the film explained his life experience about the bittersweet life of a fisherman.

"We have felt how the sea water is salty and how the sea food tastes sweet, and how bitter the sea is, we have felt it," said Dede.

"And this is a story of what happened in the life of fishermen, especially in the queen's port, Sukabumi, West Java," he continued.

Globally, the profession of fishermen is one of the most dangerous jobs. Every year, at least 32,000 fishermen die, even a number of estimates say that the figure could reach 100,000 people. Through this film, the audience is invited to see the humanity behind the numbers - from household life to dynamics in the port.

The film also highlights the role of the International Fund for Fishing Safety (IFFS), which supports community-based safety efforts in various countries.

The screening of this film emphasizes one main message, that fishermen are not just workers, but human beings whose lives, dignity, and families deserve to be valued and protected.