The Weightless Flight

Before embarking on his fitness journey, Mundor was one of the most notable photographers for Jakarta’s indie acts. His unique approach to capturing events showcases many heartfelt moments before, during, and after shows: From the explosions of energy in the pit, to the peak of dopamine during the bands’ most famous songs, and the tender expressions of love in a post-concert situation.

(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)
(photo: Peter G. Y. Rumondor)

In the dimly lit, sweat-infused air of a local venue, a unique form of collective joy takes flight: people crowd surfing.

It's not just about being hoisted above a sea of hands; it's about the sensory tapestry that weaves together an unforgettable moment of euphoria. Being a part of collective intimacy and fervor, your involvement in the act transforms into something profoundly personal and shared.

As you’re lifted, the kaleidoscopic dance of lights blurs the line between the performing band and the audience – a dizzying visual ballet that underscores the uninhibited energy below. The surge of hands beneath you is a living, breathing entity – a network of support that catches and propels you forward. It’s a tangible connection to the community, a non-verbal acknowledgment of trust and shared experience. Every dopamine explosion adds to the visceral intensity, grounding you in the present moment.

Even the olfactory details contribute to the overall ambiance. The mingled scents of earthy sweat and cheap drinks create a unique dome of scent that defines these small gigs. The collection of smells inside the tiny venue with questionable ventilation become a part of the collective memory, the aromatic stamp that etches the experience into your mind. A brief moment of weightlessness, a feeling of being untethered from the ground and the mundane. In that fleeting instant, you’re not just watching a band; you’re part of something bigger, electric and alive.

The ensemble of sensory sensations as described above are what I feel every time I see Mundor’s photographs. Dominated by pictures of gig-goers crowdsurfing, Peter G. Y. Rumondor’s stage photography encapsulates the vibrant essence of Jakarta’s indie scene in the 2010s, revealing a world of raw energy and intimate connection.

However, his work goes beyond simply documenting performances. He also often offers the tender, human moments that define these events: embraces, laughter, and the genuine joy that radiates among attendees before, during, and after the shows. Through his photographs, Rumondor paints a vivid portrait of a scene defined by its authenticity and communal spirit. He captures the raw, unfiltered emotions of the crowd, and serves as a testament to the unique atmosphere of Jakarta’s indie concerts. Rumondor's work highlights not just the music itself but the vibrant community and human connections that made the scene so special.

***

This photo series is part of the digital publication Norient City Sounds: Jakarta, curated and edited by Gisela Swaragita.

Biography

Peter G. Y. Rumondor was trying to replicate analog sensors on digital cameras when he was discovered by Kolibri Rekords in 2015. He served as their go-to photographer for nine years. On the New Year of 2022, seeking new challenges beyond the creative industry, he embarked on a 3-day cycling journey, encompassing the 570 km distance from Jakarta to Yogyakarta with two of his close friends — a feat that rekindled his passion for physical endurance and self-discipline. This transformative experience became one of the turning points that led him to dedicate his life to fitness training and become the best personal trainer in his hometown, Pamulang, in the outskirts of Jakarta. Follow him on Instagram.

Biography

Gisela Swaragita is a journalist living in Jakarta, Indonesia. In the 2010s she played in several bands in her hometown of Yogyakarta including the dreampop unit, Seahoarse. Now she focuses on writing about music and culture in various media outlets, while working full-time as an editor for Southeast Asia pro-democracy NGO, New Naratif. Follow her on LinkedIn, Instagram, and on her Website.

Published on August 27, 2025

Last updated on August 27, 2025

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