Amid the roar of machines and the earthy smell of clay, a group of Indonesian roof-tile workers are preparing for a most unusual competition.

(Workers carry tiles before taking part in a traditional bodybuilding contest.)

They are not professional athletes, nor do they have access to specialized training equipment. Actually, their “gym” is the factory floor, and their “weights” are heavy clay blocks and wooden molds.

(Workers carry tiles before taking part in a traditional bodybuilding contest.)

Since 2015, in Catur Tunggal, about 200 kilometers from Jakarta, these workers have showcased their physiques and strength through bodybuilding contests.

As one of Indonesia’s traditional centers for clay roof tiles, the city once thrived on handicrafts. But with the spread of modern building materials, the industry has declined, orders have dwindled, and workers now face severe challenges.

(Roof tile workers pose with roof tiles during a bodybuilding competition.)

On competition day, the workers oil their bodies and confidently take the stage before the crowd. Their solid muscles are not the result of gym workouts but of daily labor: lifting clay, pushing molds, and drying tiles. This is more than a display of strength and beauty; it is a declaration of dignity. Through their bodies, they proclaim: “We are still here.”

Although the future of Indonesia’s clay tile industry is uncertain, these workers have sent a powerful message in their own way: in a world increasingly dominated by steel and concrete, there are still those who honor the land and remain faithful to their craft.