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“I first sailed into the tiny cluster of the Banda Islands back in 2018, and remember the volcano – Gunung Api – rising up tall and proud against the endless blue water and sky. Ringed around the volcano are the 10 other Banda Islands, which together formed the epicentre of geopolitical power in the 17th century. Nutmeg was only found here, and worth more than gold, Western countries hurried to sail the world looking for these mysterious islands. Brutal fights and even a genocide followed. For centuries, the Banda Islands lay forgotten, only to be rediscovered for its impeccable beauty both on land and underwater by divers in the last decade. This place has a piece of my heart, and though my drone’s battery was nearing 0% when I took this shot – which made it incredibly stressful, flying from a boat – I am very glad I managed to capture the volcano in all its glory.”
Location: Banda Islands, Moluccas, Indonesia
Photographer: Iris Uijttewaal
