By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 18: Sarawakian photojournalist Zulazhar Sheblee of The Star has earned regional acclaim after clinching second place (Juara Dua) in the Explore Kepri Jilid 2 international photo hunt, held from July 14 to 16, 2025, in Batam, Indonesia.
Competing against nearly 100 photographers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, Zulazhar emerged as the only Malaysian winner, earning a Rp3,000,000 (approximately RM800) cash prize and a spot on the winners’ podium.
Reflecting on the experience, Zulazhar credited his background in media for giving him an edge under pressure.
“Alhamdulillah for this rezeki. The experience I’ve gained working under tight deadlines helped me stay calm and focused during the competition, even in a completely new environment with limited time,” he told DayakDaily today.
Despite the unfamiliar surroundings, Zulazhar managed to connect with the local Malay community through shared cultural roots.
“Even though I was in a new place, I could still relate to their customs and current issues because their culture is so similar to ours.
“But I noticed they were quite shy about being photographed, so I engaged them in conversations using our shared Malay values and etiquette to gain their trust,” he said.
He emphasised that the win was not his alone, but one shared with the entire Malaysian contingent.
“This victory is not just for me, but for the whole Malaysian team—especially Team Borneo, who worked closely together throughout the competition,” he added.
Zulazhar, who also serves as vice president of the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA), noted that his second-place finish marked a historic milestone.
“To be named Juara Dua is a proud achievement, especially for a non-Indonesian. As far as I know, no Malaysian photographer has ever placed in any photo competition in Indonesia. This is a first,” he revealed.
Organised by the Kepri Photo Community (KPC), Explore Kepri is an annual photography programme aimed at promoting the hidden beauty, heritage, and culture of the Riau Islands Province (Kepulauan Riau).
This year’s edition took participants on a curated journey across Batam’s most iconic landmarks, including the Barelang Bridge, Belakang Padang, and religious and cultural sites such as the Cheng Hoo Mosque, Vihara Budhi Bhakti Buddha, Raja Hamidah Grand Mosque, and the Sultan Mahmud Riayat Syah Mosque.
The closing ceremony was officiated by Riau Islands Deputy Governor Nyanyang Haris Pratamura, who praised the event’s success in spotlighting Kepri’s unique identity through photography.
Plans are already in motion for Explore Kepri Jilid 3, which will be held in Lingga Regency in 2026, offering more opportunities for photographers to capture the region’s rich cultural narratives.
— DayakDaily
