Nadus / Hohidiai

While working with Nadus Films in Indonesia, I had the opportunity to document life at Hohidiai, a non-profit providing medical care, education, and a sense of home for those in need. It’s one of those rare places where kindness is woven into everyday life—where doctors, teachers, and volunteers show up with open hands and open hearts.

From the quiet strength of a nurse at sunrise to kids chasing each other through the schoolyard, every moment told a deeper story of resilience and care. This project was about capturing that spirit—the unwavering hope that defines Hohidiai.

North Maluku is a place where history, culture, and geography collide in ways that shape both the land and its people. Once the epicenter of the global spice trade, these islands hold stories of colonial conquest, economic shifts, and deep-rooted traditions that still influence daily life. Scattered across volcanic islands and remote coastal villages, communities here navigate a world that is both stunningly beautiful and deeply challenging. The region is home to a mix of indigenous groups, migrants, and long-standing Islamic traditions, creating a cultural landscape that feels both unified and divided. Economic opportunities remain limited outside of agriculture and small-scale trade, while access to healthcare and education varies drastically between urban centers and rural communities

Beneath the surface, the remnants of past conflicts still linger. In the late 1990s, war and violence tore through the region, leaving scars that are still visible today. Yet, there’s also resilience—a determination to rebuild, to heal, and to move forward. North Maluku is a place of paradox: isolated yet globally significant, rich in resources yet struggling with modern development, burdened by history yet driven by hope. It’s a region that defies simple narratives, but in its complexity lies its beauty.