29-07-2025
NST photographer among five Malaysians at Batam photo event
KOTA KINABALU: Five photographers from Sabah and Sarawak, including New Straits Times Press (NSTP) freelancer Lano Lan, took part in the Kepri Photo Community Gathering 2025 held in Indonesia.
Others included Tawau-based photographer Muslianshah Masri, freelance photojournalist Herry Naha, and landscape photographer Bani Hasyim, among others.
The regional event, held from July 14 to 16, drew over 100 photographers from across Southeast Asia.
Supported by Kepulauan Riau (Kepri) Governor Ansar Ahmad, it showcased the province's tourism appeal through photography.
Participants visited Batam city, Pulau Belakang Padang and nearby islands, capturing daily life, cultural landmarks, and natural scenery. Among the highlighted sites were Vihara Budhi Bhakti, Masjid Muhammad Cheng Hoo, Masjid Agung Batam and Jembatan Barelang.
Lano's work included shots of schoolchildren commuting by boat, villagers at kopitiams, and fishermen at dawn. The event ended with a gala attended by Deputy Governor Nyanyang Haris Pratamura, who praised the effort to strengthen regional ties.
Lano, 50, from Kiulu, also visited Penyengat island, known for its historical significance as the seat of the Riau-Lingga Sultanate and birthplace of Raja Ali Haji.
"It was a journey of stories, poetry, and Malay pride," said Lano, a contributor to NSTP for over a decade.
The event, first held in 2024, is part of Kepri's strategy to develop itself as an Asean cultural and photo tourism hub.
