Grote bankwerkerij 1925 - 1935

This photograph, taken by an anonymous photographer, depicts the interior of Grote bankwerkerij, a factory in Soerabaia, now Surabaya, Indonesia. The image presents an intriguing glimpse into the industrial landscape of the Dutch East Indies, likely dating from the early 20th century. The vast scale of the factory, with its towering metal structures and rows of workers, speaks to the colonial ambitions of the Netherlands and its exploitation of Indonesian resources and labor. Note the workers are toiling away on massive metal components, their small figures dwarfed by the machinery. Photographs such as this one offer invaluable insights into the social and economic dynamics of the time. They serve as primary source material for understanding the complexities of colonialism, industrialization, and labor relations in Indonesia. Historical archives, company records, and personal accounts can further illuminate the stories behind these images, revealing the human impact of these historical processes.