The Dutch East Indies underwent an economic depression in the beginning of 1930s, and this condition persisted until the end of the decade, causing significant impact on labors in urban contexts. During this period, the number of unemployment in cities increased, affecting people of European, Chinese, and Native descents. Such atmosphere is reflected in Liem Khing Hoo’s novel, Berjuang. Published in 1934, Berjuang tells the story of unemployment which happened among Chinese descents. This article focuses on how labors and classes are represented within the novel. In Berjuang, it is clear that the unemployed are empowered. Furthermore, there are efforts of capital-based class eradication in the newly opened land.

Keywords: Berjuang, Labor, 1930s Economic Depression, Class, Representation