Zetterij van de Deli Courant te Medan 1898 - 1899

This photograph depicts the typesetting room of the Deli Courant in Medan. The typesetters are surrounded by complex machines that bring to mind the Tower of Babel – a symbol of linguistic and cultural confusion. The printing press has always been a powerful symbol. From Gutenberg’s Bible to revolutionary pamphlets, the printed word has been a force for change and, at times, control. The act of setting type is a meticulous, almost monastic task, far removed from the speed of modern communication. We see here the human element in mass production. The arrangement of these workers within the space evokes the psychological aspect of labor – the feeling of being a cog in a larger machine. The light fixtures hanging above echo the relentless, repetitive nature of their work. This scene captures a moment in the ongoing dance between humanity and technology. The symbols of communication have shifted from the chisel to movable type, and now to digital codes. And yet, the desire to record, transmit, and understand remains a timeless human endeavor.