During the Japanese colonialism (1943-1945), 200.000-400.000 Asian women aged 13-25 years old were forced to be army sex slaves, some lured by promises of free education and steady job whilst others were recruited by force. This project illustrates the truth behind “Ianfu/Survivor”, a generic term for prostitute, but in reality, a proof of war crime in the form of well-planned brutal sex slavery.

“Nona Djawa” is one part of the “Mataoli” documentary photography series, a collaborative project with an independent researcher, focusing on the history of Jugun Ianfu in Java and witnessing the survivor’s story 72 years after the colonialism.