ALAIN SCHROEDER
Chains of Madness

Pasung, shackling people with psychosocial disabilities, remains common in Indonesia despite being banned since 1977. The belief that mental illness is a curse or moral failing drives families to shamans or unregulated healing centers. Conditions are dire: people are chained in filthy, overcrowded spaces, forced to eat, sleep, and defecate where they are confined. Some receive unregulated drugs or shock therapy, leaving deep physical and psychological scars. Real change requires not only funding and oversight but also breaking cycles of shame through education, compassion, and community outreach.

Author
Belgian photojournalist Alain Schroeder (b. 1955) has been working in the industry for over four decades. First as a sports photographer in the 80s, then shooting book assignments and editorial pieces in art, culture and human stories.

In 2013, he uprooted his life, trading-in his shares in Reporters, to pursue life on the road with a camera. Schroeder now travels the world shooting stories focusing on social issues, people and their environment. «I am not a single shot photographer. I think in series,» he says adding, «I strive to tell a story in 10-15 pictures, capturing the essence of an instant with a sense of light and framing.»

He has won many international awards including Nikon Japan, Nikon Belgium, Felix-Schoeller, TPOTY, Istanbul Photo, Days Japan, Trieste Photo, PX3, IPA, MIFA, BIFA, PDN, the Fence, Lens Culture, Siena, POYI and World Press Photo.

Website
https://alainschroeder.myportfolio.com/

Instagram
@alainschroeder

BACK TO GALLERY