Why were the Dutch in Indonesia?

Answer 1

The Dutch started their presence in East India in the early 17th century. There was no such thing as "Indonesia" at the time, only a great number of independent Sultanates on the many islands. The Dutch Republic established a number of trading posts on some of the islands (today's Indonesian capital Jakarta being one of them) and from there, concluded trade agreements with most of the island's Sultans, with the aim of establishing a monopoly for itself with regard to the spices trade from the islands - which they did successfully, forcing the English and Portuguese out of the spices trade there. From then to around 1820 the Dutch Republic confined its role to that of local power broker and extended its influence by carrot and stick-methods: supporting the rulers friendly to them and 'punishing' rulers who did not abide with the agreements that gave the Dutch their monopoly position - sometimes by raids, sometimes by supporting 'friendly' claimants for the throne of a cumbersome Sultan. After 1820 the Dutch decided that they wanted more direct rule, with Sultans as only ceremonial heads of State. The struggle to get direct control was a long and hard one, and it would take until after 1920 until the Dutch really could consider themselves masters of the Archipelago.

Answer 2

The Dutch came somtime in the 16th century with boats and landed first in Banten, west Java.

Answer 3

for it's spices

Answer 4

A Lust Of Greed and Lobotomy . . .

Answer 5

Yes.

Answer 6

bill bob