Living dangerously near Mt. Merapi

Mt. Merapi, Indonesia’s most active volcano, poses a constant threat to those living in its shadow. I have experienced this first hand, from years living on its lower slopes, with tremors on an almost monthly basis, frequent times of anxiously watching when it 'coughs' smoke, or the peak glows red at night. But its eruptions have also enriched the soil, making the surrounding land exceptionally fertile. As a result, this region is one of the most intensely cultivated and productive areas in Indonesia.

In this photo series, I document the lives of farmers who make their living at the foot of the volcano, always watchful for the risks while they labour hard for their bountiful crops.