Persroller Possibly 1930 - 1939

This black and white photograph captures a “Persroller,” or Press Roller. The image was taken in 1930 in Surabaya, Indonesia, by an anonymous photographer. The photograph depicts the machine alongside an Indonesian worker. The stark contrast between the industrial, metallic structure and the individual raises questions about labor, colonialism, and identity during this period. The press roller, identified by a sign indicating its function and capacity in Dutch, reflects the colonial presence and economic exploitation of Indonesia at the time. The worker standing beside the machine becomes emblematic of the human cost of industrialization and colonialism. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between technology, labor, and the human spirit, urging us to reflect on the legacies of colonialism and their ongoing impact on identity and society.