Photographer Alexandros Zilos is the Edge of Humanity Magazine contributor of this documentary photography. From the project ‘Tengger People, Indonesia’. To see Alexandros’s body of work, click on any photograph.

The Tenggerese are a sub-ethnic group of Javanese descent, with around 100,000 people spread across 30 villages in the Tengger mountains of East Java, Indonesia. They claim lineage from the Majapahit princes, reflecting a deep cultural heritage and a rich tradition of stories passed down through generations.

This community exhibits a blend of agricultural and nomadic lifestyles. Some members are farmers, cultivating the fertile lands at lower altitudes, where they grow crops such as potatoes, cabbage, and other vegetables. These farming practices are not only a means of sustenance but also a way of preserving traditional agricultural techniques.

In contrast, other Tenggerese lead a more nomadic life in the higher altitudes of the mountains. This nomadic group relies heavily on horses, which play a crucial role in their daily lives and economy. Horses are used for transportation, tourism, and carrying goods, illustrating the adaptive strategies the Tenggerese employ to thrive in their diverse and challenging environment.

The Tenggerese’s close relationship with Mount Bromo, an active volcano, is central to their cultural and spiritual practices. The annual Kasada festival, where offerings are thrown into the volcano to honor the gods, underscores their connection to this dramatic landscape. This unique blend of agricultural and nomadic practices, spiritual traditions, and historical lineage makes the Tenggerese a distinctive and resilient community within Indonesia.

Alexandros Zilos is a cinematographer and photographer specializing in storytelling. Born and raised in Athens, Greece, he seeks to uncover hidden details that make a difference in people's lives and bring these stories to life through his camera. His interests lie predominantly in the culture, ethnography, and traditions of isolated Greek communities, as well as environmental issues around the world. 

After completing his studies in Conservation Biology in Plymouth, UK, Alexandros traveled across three continents to observe natural environments and the impact of human intervention. By interacting with local inhabitants, he gained insights into their lives, linking the natural environment to cultural heritage. His experiences in isolated communities of Greece and other regions deepened his understanding of socio-political and ethnographic issues, providing valuable material to share with the public.

All images and text © Alexandros Zilos