Sulfur Mines of Kawah Ijen in East Java

A Journey That Changed Our Lives — And Theirs 

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Welcome to the world of Kawah Ijen, where men brave fiery craters to harvest sulfur, and life is measured in sweat and endurance. Through our lens, we honor their courage and resilience, sharing stories of hardship, hope, and transformation. This gallery celebrates not only their work but also the support we’ve been able to provide — from trolleys and school sponsorships to clothing and educational opportunities — bringing light to a place of extraordinary labor.

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On September 9, 2009, we stood for the first time at the rim of Kawah Ijen in East Java — a place of surreal beauty and unimaginable hardship. Beneath the glow of the volcano’s famous blue fire, we discovered a hidden world of resilience, pain, and quiet heroism.

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In the crater, hundreds of sulfur miners worked under brutal conditions. With bare hands and simple tools, they carved hardened sulfur from the earth, breathing in toxic fumes with little protection. Then, with 60–90 kg strapped into bamboo baskets across their shoulders, they climbed 180 meters out of the crater and trekked another 3.8 km down winding paths. All for around 10 cents per kilogram — barely more than US$12 a day.

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Back then, there were more than 400 men making this dangerous journey daily. We saw only about 20 tourists, most unaware of the immense human cost behind the spectacle.

What we witnessed broke our hearts — and changed our lives.

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How We Chose to Help

Since that first visit, and with the help of kind souls around the world, we’ve worked to ease the burden of the miners and their families. Together, we have:

• Donated clothing, school supplies, and household goods

• Helped renovate three schools for miners’ children

• Supplied 232 steel trolleys to reduce the strain of carrying sulfur by hand

 

These trolleys revolutionized the way sulfur is transported and extended the health and livelihoods of many porters. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported these efforts — every donation, every shared story, every act of compassion.

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A Changing Reality

On our most recent visit, on October 14, 2025, we were met with a stark change: fewer than 30 miners remain. With the help of the trolleys, they now extract nearly 3 tons of sulfur daily — but this chapter is coming to a close. Within 2–3 years, this brutal profession may disappear altogether.

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To honor their perseverance, we gave each remaining miner a Rp. 300,000 donation — about 1.5 days’ wages — as a small gesture of ongoing support.

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But this is not the end.

We will return.
We will stand beside these men — until the very last one lays down his burden.

 

In Deep Gratitude

To the sulfur porters of Kawah Ijen:
Your strength, dignity, and spirit will never be forgotten

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How You Can Help

Clothing Donations
Each trip to Kawah Ijen includes distributing clothing parcels generously donated by supporters from across the globe. We welcome any good-quality garments you no longer need. Please consider sending your outdated fashion — it brings warmth, dignity, and comfort to families who truly need it.

 

Education Support
Supporting education remains one of our core goals. The miners’ children deserve a future away from the mines. Your support helps us continue improving school facilities and providing essential supplies.

 

Direct Financial Support
Every donation goes directly to the porters. No fees, no deductions — 100% of your contribution benefits the miners and their families.

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If donating, please mention:
Kawah Ijen Sulphur Porter Support

💳 Account Details

 

Australia:
ANZ Access Advantage Account
VON HOLZEN HEINZ KARL
BSB: 014672
Account Number: 511099532

 

Indonesia:
Account Name: Ketut Puji Aniki Oka
Bank: Maybank Indonesia
Jalan By Pass Pertokoan Nusa Dua Blok E39-41
Benoa Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361 – Indonesia
Account #: 1 037 023939
SWIFT Code: IBBK IDJA

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With deepest gratitude,

As the blue flames of Kawah Ijen flicker into the night, the story of its miners lives on — carried in every image and every act of support. This gallery is a testament to the power of compassion, partnership, and perseverance. Together, we honor the past, uplift the present, and empower the next generation. Thank you for witnessing this journey with us, and for being part of a mission that transforms lives and keeps hope burning bright.

Heinz, Puji, Fabian and our amazing team