Daniel´s Story - The tragic tale of a dechkhand on a Chinese squid ship. 

Daniel Aritonang graduated from high school in May 2018 in Batu Lungun, Indonesia. Despite his efforts, he struggled to find a job due to high youth unemployment. Encouraged by friends, Aritonang joined a manning agency to work on foreign fishing ships, hoping to support his family. After waiting two months, he and his friend Hengki Anhar were sent to Busan, South Korea, and boarded a Chinese squid fishing vessel, Zhen Fa 7.
Aritonang became part of China's vast distant-water fishing fleet, notorious for illegal fishing and severe labor abuses. The ship's conditions were harsh: Indonesian workers were housed in cramped quarters and subjected to violence and mistreatment by Chinese officers. Despite the grueling work and poor treatment, Aritonang remained determined. However, the oppressive environment and isolation took a toll on the crew, leading to instances of brutality and entrapment. The crew's pleas to return home were ignored, leaving them feeling imprisoned and degraded.
Directed by: Ben Blankenship, Ian Urbina
Narration: Ian Urbina
Edit: Ben Blankenship
Photo: Will N. Miller, Ed Ou, Ben Blankenship, Sikhami Denting
Motion Graphics: Drew Evans
Researchers: Ian Urbina, Joe Galvin, Susan Ryan, Daniel Murphy, Austin Brush, maya Martin, Jake Conley, Stephan Foxwell, marcella Boehler, Halie Brown, Molly Wiggins, Ben Blankenship, Raphaela Morais, Adrienne Urbina
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