To the Crater by Ismawan Arief Ismail

Captured at the precipice of the Ijen crater in East Java, this documentary photograph highlights the grueling daily reality of traditional sulfur miners. The image documents the arduous journey of these laborers as they descend into the crater and navigate a steep, 200-meter climb while carrying 80-100kg loads of sulfur. By focusing on the raw strength and resilience of the miners against the dramatic backdrop of the volcanic landscape, the photographer captures a poignant intersection of human endurance and industrial hardship, earning recognition for its powerful storytelling and authentic portrayal of life in Indonesia’s mining regions.