2011 PHOTO COMPETITIONS

This is the first photo i took that night in Victoriei Plaza. Immediately afterwards, a civillian-dressed sergeant-major from the Security forces showed up and started questioning me, followed by a couple of policemen in uniforms . It was the second time that evening the cops took my ID data, when shooting official buildings like the Victoria Palace and the UNESCO Headquarters. I don't know why they're so afraid, but i'm sick of all the illiterate local James Bonds asking me what i do and why, where i publish my photos and how i'll be using them. The rule of thumbs while shooting on the street is that if you see a man in uniform (cop, private guard, garbage disposal) in maximum 5 minutes he'll come and ask you what you're filming (that's right, 8 out of 10 cannot tell the difference between a photo tripod/camera and a video one). They are terribly afraid of tripods and cameras that look larger, like i have a laser target designator or who knows what mischievous apparatus. After the cop wrote down my ID card data, i asked him if i could get in close and shoot. The answer was simple: NO. The IR cameras on the building would have spotted me and the man would have been questioned about me.
I couldn't care less, but i still didn't get a closer shot.

P.S. So, if you're a tourist shooting some official locations, you must have your ID with you at all times and most of all A LOT OF CALM AND PATIENCE, especially if the dudes in the clothes don't understand what you say (if you don't speak at least a little English, you're not gonna enjoy yourself very much, en contraire i must add.

Dayak Hindu Budha Bumi Segandu Community in Indramayu is also stigmatized in a
very concerning way. The community is described as a community that rebels against
State regulations such as not having ID Card, not wearing helmet when riding,
refusing to inform authorities when they are going to hold certain ritual or ceremony.

They are even accused of a group who mix the teachings of several official religions.
On 26 April 2007, this community was tried by Government officials such Council of
Indonesian Ulama (MUI), Department of Religious Affairs, Police, Military, and
Prosecutors to explain all their daily activities. The point is that the Government is
forcing Dayak Indramayu community to obey and follow all rules in Indonesia.