The scorching sun and the scent of the sea mixed with waste are very strong when entering the fishing village in Cilincing, North Jakarta. A row of fishing wooden boats is parked unevenly on the edge of the pier.

There is a fisherman who is repairing a net. The middle age fisherman named Royani lives in the area since 2006 and earning his living from the sea. Royani who also known as Pitak, goes fishing near Jakarta Bay together with his friends, Judi and Sukardi. Three of them are childhood friends from a beach village in Indramayu, West Java.

Similar to people's tradition ahead of Eid Al-Fitr celebration, they also have a plan to go back to their hometown by using the boat as usual. This year, they plan to leave early, a day before travel restriction imposed by the government. They prepare food logistics, fuel, and souvenirs for their families and friends. It's hard to predict the time they need to reach Indramayu since it depends on weather and water condition.

'We need to consider the weather too, it's dangerous to use the boat if the wind is strong', said Royani with his heavy Indramayu accent.

They leave in the afternoon when the sun still up by taking Java Sea route. Before dawn, the fog starts to appear covering the surface, moving slowly to cover the horizon. The captain gives order to turn off the engine and releases the anchor since the fog made the visibility very limited. The boat stops and they rest while waiting the time for 'sahur' to arrive.

They continue their trip after taking 'sahur'. The sea is still friendly while the little waves still appear. Entering the middle of the day, the temperature is so high and the peak reaches 47 degrees Celcius. It's enough to drain one's energy but that didn't stop the crew from fasting.

It has been a day and night. They finally arrive in Eretan waters, border of Subang-Indramayu. Royani decides to go fishing. The flag begin to be released to the sea as the main spot and Sukardi throws the net, while Judi begin to cook rice and hot water for breakfasting.

'It's a good thing if we can get fish, we can sell it to get more money for our family', said the owner of Erika Jaya.

By midnight, while waiting the net to be pulled, there is a rumbling sound and flash of lightning. The rain starts to fall, the waves that originally calm suddenly turn into strong waves that make the sea water enter the boat. The waves only lasts for about 20 minutes but it's enough to make them struggling to remove the sea water that enter the hull of the boat.

The journey continue after the weather calm again. After traveling for about two hours from the last point, they arrive in Pancer Daun area, a mangrove forest which has many rivers in the middle of it. Sound of 'dangdut pantura' music and voices of human bidding for seafood products are slowly getting louder, a sign that village is not far away.

Shortly after, the boat is docked and the families welcoming them with a close hugs.

A momentary hug that quench your longing.

Photo and Text: Muhammad Adimaja

Editor : Prasetyo Utomo