Siasah: A Small Fragment from the Outskirts

In literacy, the meaning of the word'siasah' can be interpreted like this: the process of adapting oneself to new social conditions or environments in order to survive. This word has always crossed my mind since starting a project with the Global Environmental Facility—Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP).

The project initiated in 2017 is a documentation project on the provision of grant funding to local communities, grounded in the idea of conserving biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of climate change. It takes place in four remote areas in Indonesia: Semau Island in East Nusa Tenggara, Gorontalo, the Wakatobi Islands in Southeast Sulawesi, and Nusa Penida in Bali.

While working on this project, I witnessed the determination of individuals in remote areas. Those who live side by side with environmental changes and natural conditions find it quite difficult. With such determination, they did not succumb to their circumstances. Instead, they believe that change must be made, not just waited for with their hands on their chins. That is what they believe. From the determination of these individuals, this visual record was born. Siasah.

Perhaps there are no words that can fully express the struggle of every human child to connect to hope in the most difficult conditions. However, I hope that this series of photos will be able to cross the boundaries of the meaning of words.

"Capturing the essence of humanity from moments that have been and are still unfolding". That was the message once delivered by Robert Frank, a veteran photographer.

The message stuck with me. It became a spark of enthusiasm to continue documenting the journey, stories, tales, and fragments around me through the camera shutter. By continuing to hope to be able to realize and interpret how rich the existing reality is, which surrounds the round of life.

siasah. To those who disturb my sense of gratitude: To those from whom I learned a lot.

Edy Santoso the photographer