Tuesday, 28 July 2026
SUMATERA BARAT | INDTANEWS.COM - Tanah Datar Deputy Regent Ahmad Fadly officially opened the "Prahara Pulau Emas" photojournalism exhibition at Istana Baso Pagaruyung in Tanah Datar, Sumatera Barat, on Monday (July 27, 2026). The exhibition showcases compelling visual documentation of the flash floods and landslides that struck Aceh, North Sumatra, and Sumatera Barat at the end of 2025. It aims to remind the public of the importance of protecting the environment while reinforcing the spirit of solidarity during times of disaster.
The exhibition is a collaborative initiative between Pewarta Foto Indonesia (PFI), Yayasan Matawaktu, PT PLN (Persero), and the Tanah Datar Regency Government. A total of 68 photojournalistic works by 38 photojournalists from across Indonesia are on display, documenting the devastating impacts of hydrometeorological disasters, emergency response efforts, and the recovery process undertaken by local communities and authorities.
According to Fadly, every photograph on display vividly portrays the scale of the disasters. Beyond providing information, the images evoke compassion and encourage greater public awareness of environmental conservation.
Fadly admitted he was deeply moved while viewing the exhibition. The visual documentation illustrates the devastating impact of the disasters on residential areas, public infrastructure, and the lives of communities across the three affected provinces.
"These photographs evoke profound compassion. At the same time, they remind us how important it is to protect our environment—not only for the government but also for the private sector and society as a whole," Fadly said.
He emphasized that the exhibition is not only a tribute to the dedication of photojournalists but also serves as an important educational platform for the public. Every photograph conveys a powerful message that environmental preservation is a shared responsibility.
"When we protect nature, nature protects us in return. We hope this exhibition will inspire greater awareness and encourage everyone to care more deeply about the environment. At the same time, it highlights the spirit of mutual assistance, where people come together to help one another during difficult times," he added.
In addition to promoting environmental awareness, the exhibition also highlights the remarkable solidarity demonstrated by communities during the disaster. From evacuation efforts to rebuilding affected areas, the collective response underscores the importance of unity in overcoming natural disasters.
Fadly also expressed his appreciation to Pewarta Foto Indonesia and all participating institutions for selecting Tanah Datar as the host of the exhibition. He described the event as a great honor, as it marks the exhibition's first presentation in Sumatera Barat.
"We are proud that this exhibition is being held in Sumatera Barat for the first time, especially here in Tanah Datar Regency at Istana Baso Pagaruyung, a place we deeply cherish," he said.
He further reaffirmed the regency government's commitment to expanding its collaboration with PFI in the future. Fadly expressed hope that future partnerships would extend beyond disaster-related issues and also promote the region's tourism and cultural heritage through compelling photojournalistic works.
"Photo exhibitions can also showcase the beauty of our region and encourage more people to visit Tanah Datar," he added.
PFI Sumatra Regional Coordinator Hendra Syamhari explained that "Prahara Pulau Emas" is part of a traveling photojournalism exhibition held across the three provinces affected by hydrometeorological disasters at the end of 2025.
Through the initiative, PFI aims to create a lasting visual archive that reminds the public of the devastating consequences of natural disasters while emphasizing the importance of environmental protection to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
"We hope this exhibition will serve as a lasting reminder for both current and future generations that Sumatra once endured destruction on this scale," Hendra said.
"As today's generation, we have a responsibility to preserve and care for nature so that our children and grandchildren can continue to enjoy it in the future," he added.
Hendra noted that all photographs on display were captured directly during disaster response operations. The images portray not only the destruction caused by flash floods and landslides but also the tireless efforts of volunteers, emergency responders, security personnel, and local residents during rescue and recovery operations.
"We are exhibiting 68 photographs created by 38 photojournalists from across Indonesia who documented these disasters firsthand," he explained.
According to Hendra, the collection also serves as an important historical archive and educational resource for future generations to better understand the impacts of environmental change and the importance of disaster preparedness.
Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration Earns Appreciation
PFI Padang Chairman Arif Pribadi expressed his gratitude to all parties involved, particularly the Tanah Datar Regency Government, for supporting the exhibition and providing Istana Baso Pagaruyung as the venue.
He emphasized that collaboration among professional organizations, local governments, corporations, and nonprofit institutions was the key to the exhibition's success. He hopes the partnership will continue through future programs promoting public education, environmental conservation, and stronger visual media literacy.
The "Prahara Pulau Emas" exhibition is intended not only to celebrate the role of photojournalism but also to remind the public that natural disasters leave lasting impacts on people's lives. Through the power of visual storytelling, the organizers hope every visitor will leave with a stronger commitment to environmental protection, greater social responsibility, and a renewed spirit of solidarity in building a more sustainable future. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Muhammad Said Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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