Koloniale Tentoonstelling or International Colonial Expo was hosted in Semarang

1914

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Caption Bahasa Indonesia

Plattegrond or Site Plan of Kolonial Tentoonstelling at Pieter Sythofflan; now known as Jalan Pandanaran

Source: Algeemene Koloniale tentoonstelling te Semarang, August- November 1914. pp. 16

Bicycle decorated with tobacco leaves at the Koloniale Tentoonstelling in Semarang

Source: KITLV, 1914

Semarang City hosted the International Colonial Expo (Koloniale Tentoostelling) from 20 August to 22 November 1914. It was held at the Major Oei Tiong Ham estate in Randoesari, which is located at the northernmost foothills of Den Oengaran, on Pieter Sythoflaan Street (currently Jl. Pandanaran), just outside of the main city area (Semarang). 26 hectares in total were used, with 8.3 hectares of hilly terrain and 17.7 hectares of flat land.

Nestlé and Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Co. stand with Milkmaid advertisement on billboard at Koloniale Tentoonstelling Semarang

Source: KITLV. 1914.

More information:

The expo, originally slated to open on August 13, 1914, had to be moved to August 20, 1914, due to the commencement of World War I. Due to the circumstances of World War I, which also had an impact on the Dutch High Government, Dr. H.J. Lovink conducted the opening ceremony in place of Governor General A.W.F. Idenburg. However, the expo went on and attracted visitors from many nations, including Japan, China, Australia, England, French Indo-China, the United States, and even Syria. Furthermore, Susuhunan Surakarta also gave a visit to the expo.

Governor General AWF Idenburg visits the Colonial Exhibition in Semarang

Source: Troppenmuseum; Collectie Stichting Nationaal Museum van Wereldculture, 1914

The purpose of this expo is to give a general overview of The Dutch East Indies advancement in technology and economy. In addition, the de Koloniale Tentoonstelling expo aims at commemorating the 100th anniversary of Dutch colonization in the Dutch East Indies.