Is it true that Indonesia was colonized by the Netherlands for 350 years?

Tuesday, August 28, 2018 | 3:54 a.m. WIB
The explosion was carried out by Dutch troops during the independence war.
KOMPAS.com - August is the month of Indonesian independence. On August 17, 1945, Indonesia declared its independence.

In various historical literature, it was stated that Indonesia gained independence after being freed from Dutch colonialism for 350 years and colonized by Japan for 3.5 years.

Is it true that the Dutch colonized Indonesia for more than 350 years?

Also read: Admiral Maeda: My Destiny Is Not Important, Important Indonesian Independence

In 1596, Cornelis de Houtman's expedition came to Banten to trade. Houtman was sent by Amsterdam, a Dutch merchant, to get information about spices sought by Europeans.

These traders then understand the customs of the archipelago.

Competition and strength De Houtman has a big influence on trade which eventually can play a trade monopoly in the area, create a trading system, and make tax withdrawals.

On March 20, 1602, Dutch merchants established the Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC), a trade alliance aimed at monopolizing trade activities in Asia.

In 1603, the VOC obtained permission to establish a representative office in Banten. However, Pieter both, the VOC Governor-General first moved this office to Jayakarta (Batavia).

Since then, the VOC began to play its influence in the field of trade to various regions in Indonesia.

The way to do this is to put pressure on non-Dutch people who try to trade with residents.

At that time, the Islands were not under the control of the Dutch government, but the VOC.

VOC even though it was only a company but received many privileges from the Dutch government, one of which could form its own forces.