Brug over de rivier Alue Teungoh 1903 - 1913

This small photograph captures a bridge over the Alue Teungoh river, and was probably made in the late 19th or early 20th century. The work provides an interesting insight into the colonial history of what is now Indonesia. The image, typical of its time, seems objective, depicting a functional bridge nestled within a rugged landscape. However, the bridge's presence speaks volumes about Dutch colonial infrastructure projects, designed to extract resources and exert control over the region. We can see the way the image creates meaning through these visual codes. To truly understand this photograph, we need to research the specific historical context of the Dutch East Indies, examining archival records, engineering reports, and local accounts of colonial development. Only then can we fully appreciate the role of this seemingly simple bridge in the larger story of colonial power and its impact on the landscape and people of Indonesia.