MODERNITY ON THE ROAD TRAFFIC OF SURABAYA IN 1920S
ABSTRACT: This article
explores the process
and effects of
modernization on the
road traffic of Surabaya between 1920 and 1930 as
reported by the newspapers. Two issues highlighted are the institutionalization of driver’s license and
traffic accidents. Besides
newspapers, also used were films
about the road traffic situation
in Surabaya in the
late 1920s. The modernization of the road of Surabaya implied social
differences. People’s appreciation of modern vehicles
was demonstrated by
their ability to
make use of
the road modernly. Riding on modern vehicles did not
always mean having modern behavior. Traffic accidents also proved
the social differences. Interestingly, the
two newspapers reported
quite differently about the social differences on the modern road of
Surabaya.
Author: Johny A. Khusyairi
Journal Code: jpantropologigg110007
