Indonesian travel photographer Metha Meiryna won awards in the national and regional categories in Sony World Photography Organization 2022. 

The Sony World Photography Awards is one of the largest annual photography competitions in the world and is attended by more than 340,000 photographs from 61 countries. More than 170,000 photographic works were included in the open category, from which the National and Regional winners were chosen. 

Metha submitted three photos for this year’s competition. One of those photos, titled “Rejang Dancer”, became the winner. The photo portrays a woman donning a Balinese traditional dance Rejang dance outfit. 

In Bali, traditional dance is considered a part of tradition and religious ceremony for the local people, and Rejang is recognised as one of the most beautiful Balinese traditional dances. This dance is also one of the holiest sacrificial dances to entertain the visiting gods and spirits. 

“I was surprised and did not expect it when I heard my photo won the Sony World Photography Awards 2022. It’s great knowing that my work which elevates the sacred Rejang dance culture from Bali can be recognised at the international level,” said Metha. 

All National Award winners will receive Sony digital imaging equipment and will be included in the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition and book. Winners in the Student, Youth, Open and Professional categories will be announced on 12 April and their works will be displayed as part of the exhibition at Somerset House, London from 13 April until 2 May 2022.