A series of arresting images from Indonesia tells a stark tale of two struggles: one for survival against the elements, and another to preserve community heritage.
A Primate Exodus
In a deeply moving photograph from Central Kalimantan on the island of Borneo, a critically endangered Bornean orangutan is seen desperately fleeing through a charred landscape. The animal navigates the blackened remains of a peatland forest, a habitat ravaged by a fierce wildfire. The thick, suffocating haze from the blaze creates an apocalyptic backdrop, highlighting the grave and immediate threat these fires pose to one of humankind's closest relatives.
The image serves as a potent symbol of the escalating environmental crisis in the region, where land-clearing practices often lead to uncontrolled fires that decimate crucial wildlife habitats.
A Monument on the Move
In a separate but equally compelling story of resilience, the community of North Sumatra has undertaken a monumental task. To save their cherished place of worship from imminent collapse due to soil erosion, locals are physically relocating the entire GKPI Bethel Church.
The photographic evidence shows a painstaking, manual process. Dozens of community members work in unison, using wooden beams as levers to carefully inch the sizable structure along a temporary track. This incredible feat of collective effort and engineering illustrates a profound dedication to preserving a cornerstone of their social and spiritual life.
A Contrast of Crises
Together, these photographs from The Guardian's 'Pictures of the Day' curated by Alan Kim present a powerful juxtaposition. They depict the raw fight for life in the face of an environmental disaster and the determined, human-led fight to save a tangible piece of history and community identity. The visual narrative underscores the diverse and profound challenges faced across the Indonesian archipelago.
