PRIMAGUNG DARY RILIANANDA

In the wake of COVID-19’s entry into Indonesia in March 2020, I found myself amid a silent transformation, bearing witness to the consequences of a world forever changed. Pemalang Regency -my home- officially sealed its borders, totally suspending the vibrant energies that had once defined it before the pandemic began, all in response to the confirmation of two residents testing positive for the virus.

It took more than a year for this town to recover and regain its former vibrancy. In total, over 17,000 residents found themselves battling the virus, and tragically, more than 1,100 souls died.

This series is a testament to my journey during the days of lockdown in Pemalang. Through my lens, I encapsulate the stark sense of emptiness that enveloped the region. The resulting images serve as an intimate reflection, a testament to the myriad ways the pandemic’s unrelenting presence has impacted lives, often demanding profound sacrifices from us all.