Tenggerese Horsemen navigate around active volcanoes with ease

These amazing images were taken in Java, Indonesia, during the eruption of Mount Bromo - one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

For decades the local Tenggerese people around Mount Bromo have used their horses to help tourists carry their bags up the steep mountains surrounding the volcano.

The brave souls were captured by professional photographer and Indonesian native, Rarindra Prakarsa.

He said: “Hundreds of local people work as horsemen who bring and carry tourists to climb up the mountain and craters. Most of their clients are local tourists who feel too weak to climb, too lazy or some of them see it as a chance for them to try to ride a horse for the first time.”

Despite the obvious risks attached to the job, locals continue to put their lives in danger as they receive most of their income from tourism to the area.

Their dedication to their job was the inspiration for Rarindra who wanted to tell these people’s amazing story.

The 43-year-old photographer said: “For photographers, like me, I love to make them a subject for my photography. Combining the extraordinary beautiful nature of volcanoes and horses.”

Although the volcanoes are a great attraction for tourists, in recent years the government have been forced to limit access to Mount Bromo as it has become more and more volatile.

Limited access to the volcanoes has had a dramatic affect on the local economy as tourism to the area has been on the decline.

Rarindra said: “I came here and found that very few people came up. This is actually the real disaster for local people who get their income from tourism activities.”

The experienced photographer spent 10 days snapping the locals at work during the course of three visits.