By Widhibek
Published May 21, 2015 | Adapted for NightSkyIndonesia.com

On May 20, 2015, stars dotted the night sky. The silhouette of Mount Merapi stood proudly before us. A streak of white mist resembling fog stretched across the sky. Eagerly, I captured the Milky Way arching above on my tripod-mounted camera. It was a moment of awe and emotion—finally, the long-standing dream since 2011 to photograph the Milky Way over Mount Merapi came true.

The plan had been brewing for days but was confirmed only that morning. “Tonight we hunt Milky Way, Bek,” said Mas Noegroho over the phone. I half-jokingly asked, “What should I prepare? The jeep, maybe?” Mas Noegroho replied, “Yes, jeep and Harley ready as props tonight,” adding bonuses for the hunt. I prepared all my gear promptly.

By 9 PM, we arrived at Selo market. The streets were quiet; almost all shops closed except one where we warmed up and chatted. We fired a few frames while waiting for Mas Noeg’s friend en route. The Milky Way stretched diagonally overhead, but from here Mount Merapi was hidden behind buildings and plantations.

Once all gathered, we continued toward Ketep Pass. Soon, Merapi’s silhouette appeared among the starry sky. We picked a roadside spot with easy access, using our vehicles as foreground subjects.

More than three hours passed as we delighted in photographing the night beauty. I spent much time testing new equipment. Others took profile photos astride Harley-Davidson motorcycles and a Jeep Wrangler.

I was fortunate to capture one of my dream photos—joy blended with emotion. I plan to print it large and hang it in my room.

Thank you to Mas Noegroho, Mas Philipus and family, Mas Wawan, Agung Kodok, and friends for sharing their time capturing Indonesia’s night beauty.

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