Summary:
"De miljoenen uit Deli" by J. van den Brand is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the socio-economic conditions of Deli, exploring the controversial and often harsh realities of labor practices, particularly surrounding the contract-labor system known as "koelies." The opening sets the stage for a critical examination of the exploitation faced by laborers, particularly the Javaans, and introduces key figures like Kasan, who symbolizes the countless marginalized individuals affected by these systems. At the start of the text, the author provides a vivid portrayal of a meeting convened by the Indonesian League in Medan, where various pressing topics, including the morality of the contract-labor system, were discussed. Through speeches, it becomes evident that there are stark divisions in opinion on the ethical implications of the koelie system, with some defending it as necessary for economic progress while others brand it as a thinly veiled form of slavery. Van den Brand's narrative voice emerges as a defender of the oppressed, culminating in a critique of the existing practices and calling for a shift towards moral labor practices, foreshadowing the poignant discussions that will unfold throughout the book. (This is an automatically generated summary.)