Overstroming van Tandjong Poera, Banjir, Sumatra c. 1890 - 1905

'Overstroming van Tandjong Poera, Banjir, Sumatra' is a photograph by Heinrich Ernst & Co, capturing a flood in Sumatra. It presents us with a stark visual of colonial-era Indonesia, likely taken during a period of Dutch colonial rule. The image reveals a society deeply divided along racial and class lines. The people in boats, some seemingly navigating the floodwaters with ease, others appearing displaced and vulnerable, offer a glimpse into the disruption caused by natural disasters. The architecture, a mix of European and local styles, further emphasizes the cultural hybridity and power dynamics at play. This photograph prompts us to reflect on the environmental impact of colonialism and the uneven distribution of resources and resilience in the face of natural disasters. It serves as a reminder of the complex intersections of race, class, and environmental vulnerability in a historical context marked by colonial exploitation.