Gezicht op de haven van Sabang (boven) en laden van tabak in dezelfde haven (onder) op Sumatra before 1898

This photographic print by Carl J. Kleingrothe captures the harbor of Sabang in Sumatra, presenting dual scenes of its vibrant activity. Kleingrothe, a Dutch artist, likely made this image during the height of Dutch colonial rule in the late 19th or early 20th century. The photograph invites us to consider the power dynamics inherent in colonial economies. The scenes depict a bustling port with ships loading tobacco, hinting at the exploitation of resources and labor that fueled European prosperity. Sabang, as a key port, became a melting pot where local Indonesian laborers interacted with Dutch traders and sailors. The visual composition itself becomes a statement, framing the Sumatran landscape through a colonial lens, subtly reinforcing the narrative of Dutch dominance and the economic structuring of Indonesian land. Reflecting on this image, we are prompted to consider the intertwined histories of trade, colonialism, and identity that continue to shape our world. It's a reminder of how deeply personal experiences are embedded in larger geopolitical events, and the stories of those who lived through them.