This time, on the special date 25-5-25, I want to share a personal milestone: creating my very first photography book—Detak Warisan: Merawat Kenangan Melalui Jam Tangan.
This is not just a photography book. It’s a personal journey that brought me to become the writer, editor, designer, and publisher all at once. About 95% of the photographs were taken by me, while the rest are credited to talented collaborators who supported this project. The book was developed as my final project during my time as a student at Kelas Pagi Indonesia, which I joined from April 2024 to February 2025.
What is Kelas Pagi Indonesia?
Kelas Pagi Indonesia (KPI) is a non-formal photography school and creative community founded by Anton Ismael [@antonismael_]. Since 2006, KPI has been a platform for aspiring photographers and visual storytellers from all backgrounds. It runs on a spirit of openness, collaboration, and mentorship—free of charge, but full of dedication.
The 2024 batch of KPI Jakarta began with around 120 students. However, as the months progressed, only 28 students completed the journey and presented their final projects at the exhibition—a true testament to commitment and perseverance.
Classes were designed to fit into participants’ busy lives. Offline sessions were typically held in the early morning, starting at 06.00 AM and finishing around 08.00 AM, so students could still head to their day jobs or other commitments. In addition, online classes via Zoom provided flexibility for remote learning and deeper discussions, especially for concept development and critiques.
KPI emphasizes technical photography skills as well as the importance of intention, storytelling, and personal growth through visual work, including learning photography business directly from the experts. The final project culminates months of exploration, guidance, and self-discovery.
The Concept Behind the Book
Midway through the program, students were encouraged to begin preparing for their final works—ranging from multimedia pieces, photo series, art installations, posters, to photo books. I chose to dive into a theme that had been lingering in my thoughts: warisan, or inheritance.
We all know one day we’ll die. That’s a certainty. But what will we leave behind? Most of the time, inheritance is seen as tangible wealth—land, houses, cars, or gold. But these things, while valuable, are not always emotionally meaningful or practical to pass on—especially for men.
So I asked myself: Is there something personal, functional, and memorable that I use daily, which my children can inherit and remember me by?
The answer came from a familiar object: the wristwatch.
Inspired by the iconic Patek Philippe tagline—“You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation”—I built this book around the wristwatch as a symbol of legacy—not just as a luxury item but as a companion that marks time, holds memories, and becomes a Detak Warisan—a ticking inheritance.
Mentorship and Process
Throughout the process of developing this project, I was guided by my mentors at KPI—Peny Pujiati [@penypujiati] and Noe Prasetya [@membacavisual]. Their support was essential in helping me navigate moments of doubt, refine my concept, and push the project forward. The honest and intense discussions we had—about narrative depth, photographic consistency, and creative direction—helped me see clearly what steps I needed to take next.
Their guidance grounded the project and gave me the confidence to execute it with purpose.
What’s Inside the Book
Detak Warisan combines documentary photography, product photography, and storytelling. It reflects on how watches—particularly mechanical ones—can serve as emotional time capsules passed down from generation to generation.
The book also documents interviews with watchmakers like Mas Adit [@ditbeat] and Mas Bintang [@nararyaatelier], highlighting the essential role of craftsmanship in maintaining these legacy objects. From polishing to full restoration, their stories add depth to the book’s message: a meaningful inheritance is one that is cared for.
You don’t need a Rolex or Omega to leave something valuable. A Seiko, Citizen, Casio, or even a microbrand can carry just as much emotional weight. Legacy is not about price—it’s about stories.
A Reflection on Life and Death
Through poetry and photography, the book invites readers to reflect on mortality—not in fear, but in gratitude. It asks: Have we prepared something for our loved ones to remember us by? Not just wealth, but moments. Not just assets, but stories.
The final exhibition—held on 22–23 February 2025 at Third Eye Studio, Cipete, Jakarta Selatan—was a celebration of those stories. Of the 120 students who began the journey, only 28 reached the finish line, presenting their final projects to the public. It was a humbling and energizing experience—sharing our personal work, connecting through visuals and narratives, and honoring the spirit of persistence and passion that binds us.
Even though I’m no longer young, being surrounded by passionate creators made me feel reborn.
Final Thoughts
Detak Warisan is more than a project—it’s a love letter to time, memory, and fatherhood. A tribute to the ticking moments we often overlook, and a reminder to live meaningfully, love deeply, and leave something behind that truly matters.
Because one day, we all will go. And when that day comes, I hope my daughters will wear my watch—not for its brand or price, but for the stories it holds and the prayers it brings.
Thank you for reading. I hope this story and book inspire you to reflect, to prepare, and to cherish every moment with your loved ones.
If you like to read my photobook, feel free to download the PDF file from here
For readers outside Indonesia who are interested, please feel free to download the English version at the following link.
Stay tuned as I share selected photos from the Kelas Pagi Indonesia 2024 Final Exhibition on 22-23 February 2025, at Third Eye Studio, Cipete, Jakarta Selatan.
If you have any comments, suggestions, or even criticism, please feel free to share them.
I hope everything can become a valuable lesson for me and help me grow to be better.
And hopefully, I’ll be able to publish more books in the future.
Thank you.
arisdn 