Remnants of an Eruption
2021
Monochrome Prints

This project was a mini photojournalism project documenting one of the cities tarnished and abandoned by its people because of the spews of volcanic ash from Mount Sinabung, North Sumatra. Being active since 2010, the first eruption left people shocked as it had been inactive for the last four centuries. Nearby cities were evacuated overnight and rescue teams were deployed to secure the well beings of the inhabitants that day. As I am also a native to this province, I am really intrigued of what was left behind.

​

Eleven years forward, the volcano itself is still active and small eruptions still occurs. As I had the chance to go back home for the school break, I decided to visit the abandoned sites in hope to get a clear picture of what happened and what was left from the chaos. After an enduring two hour drive from my hometown, I reached a small town.

​

Vastly destroyed ,covered in volcanic ash, making the vibes greyish and cold. Not a single person can be seen until you walk a bit further from the red zone. This place was exactly how I imagined it. While capturing these images, the sense of enigma rushed through me. The air was getting heavier at some point and I have to stop my venture. As it was really an interesting experience, the thought of how the inhabitants have to move out and abandon everything in the first place to my mind. What happened to them next and what will they feel coming back to this place, being left with nothing but remnants.