The Dutch colonization of Indonesia began in 1602 and lasted until Indonesian independence in 1945. The Dutch controlled Indonesia for over three centuries, during which time the country was divided into several administrative regions. While the Dutch presence was oppressive at times, they also introduced new technologies and systems of government to Indonesia which helped to modernize the country.
In 1602, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) sent an expedition to Indonesia led by Jacob van Heemskerck. The VOC had …