Bataviaasche nouvelles 1785 1785

Bataviaasche Nouvelles 1785 is a handwritten document created by Jan Brandes, dating back to 1785. Brandes, who lived from 1743 to 1808, offers us a glimpse into the social and political climate of Batavia, now Jakarta, during Dutch colonial rule. This isn't just a list of news items; it's a window into a world shaped by the intersections of race, class, and colonial power. Who gets mentioned, and how, reflects the societal hierarchies of the time. Consider the emotional weight of these records. Each entry speaks to the lives and experiences of individuals living under colonial rule. The document hints at both the aspirations and oppressions of the era. Brandes' choice to record these particular events also raises questions about whose stories get told, and whose are erased. It urges us to think critically about the narratives we inherit, and whose voices are amplified or silenced in the process.