Author: Reno Surya Photographer: Fully Syafi

When the call for Friday prayers resounds in the East Java city of Surabaya, a tightly shut door slowly begins to open. People start rushing out one by one, and the quiet atmosphere is shattered by the sudden commotion. A man in a white shirt and bright red sarong emerges from the building and approaches us with brisk steps.

“Who are you looking for? What do you need? There’s no one guarding the building right now; he’s out of town. Is there anything you need?” the man, named Rohib, asks us. His accent is Maduranese, from the neighbouring island of Madura. His tone betrays his distrust.

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Fully Syafi

Fully Syafi is a freelance photographer and documentary photographer from Surabaya, with interests in social, environmental and cultural issues. His work has been published in many leading publications, including European Pressphoto Agency (EPA), Greenpeace, National Geographic, The New York Times, The International Herald Tribune, STERN, The Guardian and USA Today.

Reno Surya

Reno Surya is a freelance writer based in Surabaya, Indonesia. He has been actively writing since he was an undergraduate student, from 2014. His works have also featured in various media including VICE Indonesia, Warning Magazine, Jawapos and dnk.id. Reno Surya produces feature stories about culture, human rights, urban issues, and music and film reviews.