The Youtefa Bridge, a tourism destination more commonly known as the Red Bridge, has become a symbol of pride for the city of Jayapura, as well as an economic opportunity for dozens of young people. Both native Papuan youths and migrants take advantage of this iconic bridge by offering photography services to visitors.
The Red Bridge was inaugurated by the former President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, on October 28, 2019. This inauguration also serves as tangible evidence of development that supports accessibility and tourism in Papua. President Joko Widodo hopes that the Red Bridge can lead to economic and tourism growth in the region.
One of the figures who took advantage of this opportunity is Daud Magai. This young man from Papua started pursuing a photography service business at the bridge since late 2023, while attending university.
“At first, I learned photography from the Papuans Photo community. From there, I started taking photos at the Red Bridge. Now it has been two years since I became a freelance photographer here,” said Magai to Tribun-Papua.com on Sunday (26/1).
The number of photographers making a living at the bridge continues to increase. In 2023, there were only three photographers, but now it has increased to around 12 people. “However, customers still choose based on the quality of the photos,” he added.
Magai sets the price at Rp10 thousand per photo. After being photographed, the results are transferred to a laptop before being sent to the customer’s phone. His income ranges from Rp400 thousand to Rp1.250 million per day, especially when there are many visitors. The income from that is used to meet daily needs, pay for tuition, and buy photography equipment.
“After finishing college next year, I want to continue being a photographer.” God willing, I hope to open my own photo studio,” he said.
Besides Magai, Usman Latuconsina, a student from Seram, Maluku, also pursues a similar profession. He started offering photography services at the bridge since last year. Usman sets the same rate, which is Rp10 thousand per photo, and his earnings range from Rp300 thousand to Rp800 thousand per day.
“The income from photography I use to pay for boarding, daily needs, and saving to buy a new camera lens,” said Usman.
At first, Usman only displayed his photos on social media. However, on his brother’s advice, he decided to try his luck by starting a photography service at the Red Bridge.
The quality of the photos produced by the photographers at the bridge received praise from the customers.
“The photo from Daud Magai’s brother is very good.” “Every time I go there, I always ask him to take my photo,” said Antoneta Magon, one of the customers from the city of Jayapura.
West Papua Now 