Depik fish or Rasbora tawarensis is a typical fish in Laut Tawar Lake located in Central Aceh, Indonesia. One of the main activities carried out in this lake is fishing for depik fish which is an endemic fish that can only be found in these waters.
The activity of fishing for depik fish is not only a livelihood for local fishermen, but also part of the culture and tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. However, in the midst of the development of the times and environmental threats, the sustainability of this tradition needs special attention.
When visiting Laut Tawar Lake, I saw a fisherman and children catching depik fish. I immediately photographed their activities in black and white. Fishing for depik fish has become an inseparable part of the lives of the people around Laut Tawar Lake. Fishermen use special nets called nets or pukat to catch this fish.
Fishing is usually done in the morning or evening when the depik fish are more active on the surface of the water. Fishermen usually use small traditional boats called "jaloe" to row to the middle of the lake and cast the net with skills they have learned since childhood.
Depik fish has a fairly high economic value in local and national markets. This fish is usually dried and sold as a typical food that is in great demand. In addition, the presence of depik fish in people's lives also reflects high social values. The process of fishing is often done together, creating togetherness and solidarity among the fishermen. Not infrequently, the catch is also shared with family and neighbors as a form of togetherness and mutual cooperation.
Photographing fishermen's fishing activities is limited when choosing angles because they don't get good positions. If I had dared to enter the lake, maybe I would have gotten a more unique angle. A good photographer should be brave in all fields, but I'm a bad photographer.[]
