Afterhours Books has recently released a new book, A History of Photography in Indonesia: From the Colonial Era to the Digital Age, edited by Brian C. Arnold. This important book traces the development of photography in Indonesia from its invention to the present day, highlighting its unique place in the history of photography as a former colonized and newly democratic nation.

The Dutch government introduced photography to the East Indies in the 1840s and quickly recognized its potential in serving the colonial apparatus. Photography was an essential tool of colonialism and became part of the independence movement, a voice for “reformasi,” an agent in advocating for democracy, and is now accessible to anyone with a phone.

 

 

 

 

 

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Co-published with the Amsterdam University Press, this book features essays by leading artists, scholars, and curators from around the world who have worked with photography in Indonesia, including Jeremy Allan, Wimo Ambala Bayang, Matthew Cox, Tino Djumini, Alexandra Kumala, Adelina Luft, Brent Luvaas, Oscar Motuloh, Krisna Murti, Gale Newton, Aminudin TH Siregar, Soeprapto Soedjono, and Karen Strassler. They have traced the medium's evolution from its inception to the present day and addressed the impact of photography on colonialism, independence, and democratization.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Indonesian photography and its role in shaping the country's history. With its insightful essays and beautiful photographs, A History of Photography in Indonesia: From the Colonial Era to the Digital Age is an essential addition to the library of anyone interested in the history of photography and Southeast Asian history.