Photo exhibition sheds light on Asia's profound changes

More than 1,200 photos by photographers from 36 countries and regions have captured people's daily lives and profound changes across Asia over the past three years. Of these, more than 100 are being exhibited in Jakarta, telling stories of Asian resilience and adaptability that shape the vibrant continent.

Jointly curated by China Daily and Asia News Network, a regional news coalition of 22 media organizations, the photo exhibition themed Changing Asia — Working Together for a Shared Future kicked off on Wednesday at a stylish shopping mall in the southern part of Indonesia's capital.

The five-day event, which runs through Sunday, features 111 selected photos. The photos portray moments from significant occasions to ordinary life, offering viewers a varied perspective on Asia's transformation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Zhou Li, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily Asia Pacific, said the exhibition provides a stage that illuminates the exceptional photographers from all corners of Asia, commending their skills and the narratives they weave through with their lenses.

"This is not merely an exhibition, but a testament to the expanding reach and influence of our initiative," Zhou said. "It is a visual narrative of our shared journey, emphasizing the fortitude and adaptability of our people amid global adversities."

Zhou Kan, charge d'affaires ad interim and minister of the Chinese embassy in Indonesia, said the exhibition opened on a very important day as leaders and representatives from more than 140 countries were gathering in Beijing for the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

He also highlighted the beginning of commercial operations of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway on Tuesday, saying it is "a very important fruit of the bilateral cooperation between China and Indonesia and also reflects the high-level cooperation between the two sides".

Strength of growth

Daniel Johan, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, praised the role that China plays in Asia's development, saying that China is the strength of growth in Asia in the future.

Hugo Diba, CEO of the Indonesian media outlet Kumparan, said the exhibition promotes the power of photography and tells the story of a changing Asia, cultural diversity and the society.

"That's why the event is very special and good," he said.

The photo exhibition has also attracted many visitors.

A photo capturing a dying bird in a lake impressed Sutadi Ng the most.

"The photo is creating awareness in the community that we need to coexist with animals," Ng said. "It's more like giving us an insight."

Leonardus Jegho contributed to this story.