Since arriving in Taipei in 2019, Fr. Ari has dedicated his ministry to serving migrant fishers through the Stella Maris mission in northern Taiwan. Shortly after his arrival, he joined Fr. Thiet, a Vietnamese priest who had already begun visiting fishing ports and accompanying migrant workers. Together, they expanded the outreach to numerous ports across the region. Today, Fr. Ari continues this mission, regularly visiting nearly twenty fishing ports where thousands of migrant fishers—most of them from Indonesia, along with smaller groups from the Philippines and Vietnam—work under demanding and often isolating conditions.

Through Stella Maris, Fr. Ari and a team of volunteers visit fishers directly on their boats, listening to their stories, learning about their struggles, and offering companionship and support. These visits provide fishers with a rare opportunity to share their experiences, particularly since their daily routine often keeps them isolated at sea or in the port with little contact outside their work environment. Alongside pastoral care, Fr. Ari also assists fishers facing labor challenges such as unpaid wages, job insecurity, and difficult working conditions, helping them connect with authorities or access available protections when necessary.

A vital part of Fr. Ari’s ministry is spiritual accompaniment. Nearly every Saturday, he travels to a different port to celebrate Mass with fishers, often in port offices far from the nearest parish. These celebrations allow migrant workers to pray and participate in the sacraments despite the long distances and demanding schedules that usually prevent them from attending church. Special occasions, such as Christmas celebrations at the ports, bring joy and a sense of community to workers who are far from their families.

Beyond pastoral ministry, Fr. Ari and his team also provide practical assistance to migrants in need, including food support for workers who have lost their jobs and help navigating language barriers and administrative processes. Many migrants, especially Indonesians who may not speak English or Chinese, struggle to access help on their own. While not every problem can be solved, Fr. Ari’s presence and commitment offer something essential: a listening ear, compassionate accompaniment, and a reminder to migrant fishers that they are not forgotten.