In the harbor of Batavia, the historic heart of Jakarta, manual labor is still the norm. Two wooden pinisi ships floats by the dock, its weathered hull silently witnessing centuries-old traditions. Men with sun-worn faces carry sacks of rice, spices, and other goods on their shoulders. Everything is done by hand: loading, unloading, and even repairing the ships. It’s exhausting work, and a full day of hard labor earns them just 100 to 500 Indonesian Rupiah.
Converted to euros, that’s less than a single cent to a few cents per day—a sum barely enough for a meal, let alone to support a family. Yet, under the blazing sun, their resilience is inspiring. For these men, it’s not just work, but a way of preserving a legacy.
The dock buzzes with life: children play in the shadows of the towering ships, while an old captain watches with tired eyes. The golden glow of the setting sun touches the water, a striking contrast to the harsh reality of their lives. Here in Batavia, history meets an unyielding struggle for survival.
I am Kim Stijger, a passionate photographer from Nieuwegein, with a strong focus on sports and motorsport photography. My love for capturing movement and action comes out best in the dynamic world of sports, where I know how to capture the tension and emotion of the moment... Read more…