Sociëteit Harmonie en de winkel van Oger Frères in Batavia 1870 - 1880

This photograph by Woodbury & Page captures the Sociëteit Harmonie and Oger Frères store in Batavia. This image offers us a glimpse into the complex social and economic hierarchies of the Dutch East Indies. The Sociëteit Harmonie was an exclusive club for European elites, embodying colonial power and privilege. Spaces like these were designed to replicate European social life, reinforcing racial and class divisions. The Oger Frères store, likely catering to the same clientele, signifies the economic exploitation inherent in colonial structures. In viewing this image, we must consider who is included and, more importantly, who is excluded. The absence of the local Indonesian population from this scene speaks volumes about the segregation and inequality that defined colonial society. This photograph isn't just a depiction of a place; it's a stark reminder of the power dynamics and social engineering that shaped the colonial experience, reflecting the emotional and personal dimensions of living in such a divided world.