People of Java

Candid encounters in Jogja

In the heart of Indonesia lies Java, a land rich in culture, history, and an array of fascinating faces that tell stories of tradition and heritage. A few moments in time through the lens of my Nikonos V loaded with Kodak Ektachrome 100, attempting to render Java’s culture and feels. Each frame brought to life the vibrancy and depth of these mysterious and enchanting characters.

In a recent trip to Indonesia, I was fortunate to get immersed in the epicentre of Javanese culture, namely the city of Yogyakarta, or Jogja like locals affectionally call it. There, I let myself wander in a Beaudelaire’s flaneur fashion through an organized chaos of traffic noise, warung smells and colourful batiks.

This photo series depicts everyday scenes from Jogja, a place where generations are intertwined and people are generous with their time, always eager to interact with foreigners like me (orang buleh in local lingo). Through this fleeting interaction, I tried to learn about the complex Javanese customs and its aesthetic philosophy made of a mix of local legends, architecture, royal customs tainted with religion.

Looking back at these portraits, I miss the awkward reoccurring questioning about my family status, the hour-long debates about suitability for local politicians and the pride in lifestyle that is unique to Java; whether it is found in the ubiquitous live sessions of gamelan (Javanese xylophone-like instrument), university student poetry slams in café, family beach days or late night lesehan congregation (street side eateries where customers seat on floor mats).

In the snapshots of lives and stories, I hoped to encapsulate the soul of Yogyakarta—the harmonious interplay of diverse lives, cultural richness, and an indomitable spirit. Semangat!