And it’s even better when Indonesian masters of photography, such as Darwis Triadi, Ferry Ardianto and Ajie Lubis, all of who are more than willing to share their knowledge, join the journey.

The lucky photographers who earned a spot on the hunt were the semifinalists in the HOPE Photography Festival for Charity 2009, whose theme is “We Are The Future — My Life Journey”. The final for the competition was held in Nias on Aug. 20–23.

Leap of time: A resident of Bawomataluo performs hombo batu or stone jumping. JP/Ricky Yudhistira

The six entrants were Hasiolan Siahaan from Jakarta, Reza Lingga from Bandung, Syafi’udin from Bali, Tina Yekti Lestari and Petrus Krisologus, both from Tangerang, and Petrus Loo from Medan (who, unfortunately, had to pull out at the last minute).

Since 2007, HOPE Indonesia has been campaigning to help 1 million children in Indonesia to have better health and education by 2012.

“This is the third annual photography competition we have held,” said Enrico Daniel H. Sitompul, HOPE Indonesia spokesperson.

“We are inviting photographers to help children with their pictures,” he added.

The final session consisted of three categories: landscape, culture and children. The three leading professional photographers were judges. The photographers visited Sorake beach and Lagundri bay, both well known as being among the world’s best surf places, where they could point their lenses at the surfers braving the big waves there.

They also visited three traditional villages in Teluk Dalam, South Nias: Hilisimaetano, Botohilitano and Bawomataluo. The humble villages offered a plethora of photographic subjects: People going
about their daily life, dances, megalithic artifacts, traditional houses with their ornaments and, of course, hombo batu.

In a discussion during the photography journey, Darwis Triadi told the amateurs to use both logic and sense when taking photos.

“If you’re thinking you get better results because of your sophisticated camera and lenses, you underestimate yourself,” he said to encourage the group.

And certainly, no matter what gear they were carrying, whether a digital SLR or a pocket camera, the photographers had fun when capturing moments.

“Even just being here already makes me happy,” said Tina Yekti Lestari, the only female photographer on the trip.

While describing the landscape and culture as extraordinary, Petrus Krisologus was more interested in seeing HOPE Indonesia’s work in Nias.

“That’s why I came here in the first place,” he said.

HOPE Indonesia began its activities in Nias right after the tsunami in December 2004 and became more settled after the earthquake in March 2005.

Petrus’ wish to see more of their work came true, as the last location on the itinerary was the Center of HOPE in Gunung Sitoli, North Nias.

“We’ve brought them here so they can see what HOPE are doing and they can meet children they’re willing to help,” said Enrico.

HOPE Indonesia offers some popular activities among poor people in the area, such as a free English course, computer training and  a preschool.

However, with funding from the the main supporter, United Way International, coming to an end, these programs, which began in 2007, will end this December.

“We hope people will want to help us raise funds to continue these programs after seeing the pictures produced by the photographers who participated in the HOPE Photography Festival,” Enrico said.

Photos from professional photographers such as Darwis Triadi, Ferry Ardianto, Ajie Lubis, Rarindra Prakarsa, Theofelus Hudayanto, Arbain Rambey and all participating photographers will be on displayed and available for a charity sale at a photo exhibition on the 6th floor of Senayan City until Sept. 6.

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