Borobudur Sunrise

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Worldwide | Saturday, October 9, 2010 | 5 photos

Photography can be an art form or a dazzling record of a journey. The accompanying images reflect the beginning of my journey to explore the lost cultures of modern Indonesia.

Over 10 years ago, I started to visit Indonesia with work. These trips were to mine sites or the busy cities. It left an impression of a country fighting to move into a western world whilst maintaining a vital link to it's Islamic faith. It also distorted my own perceptions of its cultures. Whilst eating an excellent western meal one night I was struck with my lack of knowledge on the history of this country. I knew of the Dutch influences from school but how did this group of cultures unite. A conversation was struck with Indonesian friends who talked openly about not only Islam but of earlier cultures in Central Java and of the great monuments they left behind. From this came a promise to visit the great buddhist temple complex of Borobudur. It is nestled in the Kedu Valley near Jogjakarta and overlooked by the stunning Mt. Merapi. This, and nearby volcanos are pivotal in the Borobudur story as ash from eruptions hid the temple for centuries. I arrived before dawn with little expectations of the amazing scenes that sunrise would deliver. We climbed the many steps to the summit before dawn and watched as the sun exposed treasures of a bygone age. The experience left me hopeful that this country could protect its great heritage and with help educate those of us who choose to explore. The final step found Buddha hidden inside one of the Stupas. Like an all-knowing diety awaiting the moment of enlightenment.