Dutch Soldiers Respond to Gunfire from a Sniper in Malang, Java 1947 - 1949

This black and white photograph, taken by the Associated Press in 1947-49, depicts Dutch soldiers in a tense moment during the Indonesian National Revolution. The soldiers, clad in camouflage, are responding to gunfire from a sniper in Malang, Java. This image, now in the Rijksmuseum, captures the raw reality of war, showcasing the soldiers' alertness and the unpredictable nature of combat. The composition emphasizes the soldiers' focus, while the background hints at the broader context of the conflict. This powerful photograph serves as a historical record of the struggle for Indonesian independence.