Chains of Madness

• Prize
  Gold in Press/Feature Story
• Photographer
  alain schroeder, Belgium
• Date of Photograph
  2025
• Studio
  free lance
• Website
  https://alainschroeder.myportfolio.com
• Instagram
  https://www.instagram.com/alainschroeder/

“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 physical and psychological scars. Real change requires not only funding and oversight but also breaking cycles of shame through education, compassion, and community outreach.