Living Traditions of Indonesia

Over the past few years when I lived in India and Japan which are known for their strong cultural heritage, religious traditions and rituals, I have been exploring photographically how they have been kept alive largely by the older members of the population. In today’s increasingly digital world where young people are entranced by social media and their smartphones, one must ponder the risk that these traditions may fade over time through the generations as people lose touch with and have declining interest in the origins and practices surrounding these traditions. When I entered the magical, mystical world of Bali where culture, traditions and religion permeate every aspect of life for the Balinese, and ceremonies, rituals and artistic traditions connect people with the gods, ancestors, family and community, I felt encouraged to see that these living traditions are very much alive and being sustained, and in particular by the younger generation taking interest in their cultural heritage.