Indonesia celebrated its 69th Independence Day Sunday. In this photo essay Angie Bexley reports on the hopes of ordinary people living in and around Yogyakarta.

'Independent' painted on the entrance to the village of Tembi, Bantul.

‘Independent’ painted on the entrance to the village of Tembi, Bantul.

"We hope women will be able to play a stronger role in Indonesia's future, in all areas". Mingirran, Matrijeron.

“We hope women will be able to play a stronger role in Indonesia’s future, in all areas”. Mingirran, Matrijeron.

"We are best friends and part of Minggiran dance troup. We hope we can dance in the palace (kraton) and overseas".

“We are best friends and part of Minggiran dance troup. We hope we can dance in the palace (kraton) and overseas”.

"I hope I can do better at school this year." Minggiran, Matrijeron.

“I hope I can do better at school this year.” Minggiran, Matrijeron.

Banner reads: "Village of Minggiran is free from political slogans/propaganda?"

Banner reads: “Minggiran RW14 is free from political party attributes”

"I hope we will be better prepared for the next earthquake" Ice cream seller, from the earthquake devasted village fo Tembi.

“I hope we will be better prepared for the next earthquake” Ice cream seller, from the 2006 earthquake devastated village of Tembi.

"What does your future look like?" "She is my future", Tembi, Yogyakarta.

“What does your future look like?” “She is my future”, Tembi, Yogyakarta.

"I hope Jokowi can help us. We believe in him". Sausage seller, Tembi, Yogyakarta.

“I hope Jokowi can help us. We believe in him”. Sausage seller, Tembi, Yogyakarta.

"I hope my children can fulfill their responsibilities as Muslims". Mantrijeron.

“I hope my children can fulfill their responsibilities as Muslims”. Mantrijeron.


Angie Bexley is a Research Associate in the Department of Anthropology at the Australian National University’s College of Asia and the Pacific. She is also a co-founder of Culturekitchen foodlab.