Purnavarman's Edicts Recorded in Stone Inscriptions
Year: 450
Category: Politics
Several stone inscriptions are made witness to edicts from West Java. Amongst others, the Tugu inscription announces decrees of Purnavarman, the King of Tarumanagara, one of the earliest Hindu kingdoms of Java. (up until the year 669)
Tags: Inscriptions, Political History
Chinese Annals Mention Buddhist Kingdom of Kanto Lim
Year: 502
Category: Religion
Chinese annals mentioned the existence of the Buddhist Kingdom, Kanto Lim in South Sumatra, presumably in the neighborhood of present-day Palembang.
Tags: Buddhism, Sumatra, Religious History, Monarchy, Cultural Exchange
I-tsing's Mention of the Holing Kingdom
Year: 664
Category: Society & Culture
A Tang dynasty Chinese source written by I-tsing, mentioned about Holing (Kalingga) kingdom, located somewhere in the northern coast of Central Java.
Tags: Tang Dynasty, Chinese Literature, Cultural Exchange, Historical Records
I-tsing's Journey Through Southeast Asia
Year: 671
Category: Religion
I-tsing visited Srivijaya and Malayu in Sumatra and Kedah in Malay peninsula on his way to Nalanda, India.
Tags: Buddhism, Pilgrimage, Srivijaya, Cultural Exchange
Srivijaya's Expansion: Dapunta Hyang Sri Jayanasa's Siddhayatra
Year: 683
Category: Politics
Dapunta Hyang Sri Jayanasa performed Siddhayatra as the journey to expand his influence. The event mentioned in several inscriptions such as Telaga Batu inscription, Talang Tuo inscription and Kedukan Bukit inscription. The beginning of Srivijaya hegemony over the maritime region around Malacca Strait and Sunda Strait.
Tags: Srivijaya Empire, Maritime History, Political Expansion, Trade
Srivijayan Naval Invasion of Java
Year: 686
Category: Warfare & Military
Srivijaya launch a naval invasion of Java, which is mentioned in Kota Kapur inscription. This likely contributed to the end of Tarumanagara kingdom.
Tags: Srivijaya, Naval Warfare, Invasion, Military Conflict, Political Instability
Srivijaya Captures the Kingdom of Malayu
Year: 687
Category: Warfare & Military
I-tsing returned to Srivijaya in on his way back from India to China. In his record he reported that the Kingdom of Malayu was captured by Srivijaya.
Tags: Srivijaya Empire, Warfare, Expansion, Political Conflict
Srivijaya Naval Kingdom: Flourishing and Decline Begins
Year: 700
Category: Politics
The Sumatra-based Srivijaya naval kingdom flourishes and declines.
Tags: Maritime History, Monarchy, Naval Power, Trade, Political History, Srivijaya
Sanjaya Becomes King of Mataram
Year: 716
Category: Politics
Sanjaya ascends the throne to be the first king of the Mataram Kingdom.
Tags: Monarchy, Political History, Mataram Kingdom, Rulers
Srivijaya King's Letter to Umayyad Caliph
Year: 718
Category: Politics
Sri Indravarman King of Srivijaya send a letter to the Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz of the Umayyad Caliphate in Damascus, signing early ancient Indonesian official contact with Islamic world in the Middle East.
Tags: Diplomacy, Islam, Srivijaya, Umayyad Caliphate
Sanjaya Dynasty Founded (Canggal Inscription)
Year: 732
Category: Politics
The Sanjaya dynasty is founded around this time according to the Canggal inscription.
Tags: Monarchy
Jian Zhen Describes International Trade in Guangzhou
Year: 748
Category: Economy & Trade
The Chinese Buddhist monk Jian Zhen writes in his Yue Jue Shu of the international sea traffic coming to Guangzhou, ships from Borneo, Persia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and others bringing tons of goods.
Tags: Trade, Maritime Trade, Silk Road, Tang Dynasty, Guangzhou, Buddhism, International Relations, Cultural Exchange
Mataram Kingdom Flourishes
Year: 752
Category: Politics
The Hindu Mataram kingdom flourishes and declines. (to 1045)
Tags: Kingdom, Political History, Hinduism, Mataram
Construction of Borobudur Begins
Year: 760
Category: Religion
The construction of the famous Indonesian Buddhist structure Borobudur began, probably as a non-Buddhist shrine.
Tags: Buddhism, Religious Architecture, Temple, Sailendra Dynasty, Religious Conversion, Monument
Construction of the Kalasan Temple
Year: 778
Category: Religion
Kalasan temple constructed, according to the Kalasan inscription.
Tags: Buddhism, Temple, Architecture, Religious Structures, Mataram Kingdom, Religious Art
Sewu Temple Completion
Year: 792
Category: Religion
The Manjusrigrha (Sewu) temple is completed according to Manjusrigrha inscription.
Tags: Buddhism, Temple, Architecture, Religious Art, Mataram Kingdom, Monument, Cultural Heritage
Sailendra Kingdom's Flourishing and Decline
Year: 800
Category: Religion
The agriculturally based Buddhist Sailendra kingdom flourishes and declines. (to 832)
Tags: Buddhism, Sailendra Dynasty, Kingdom, Agriculture, Religious Influence, Decline
Borobudur Temple Completion
Year: 825
Category: Art
Borobudur is completed during the reign of Samaratungga.
Tags: Buddhism, Art, Architecture, Temple, Religious Art, Sailendra Dynasty, Cultural Heritage
Prambanan Temple Complex Completed and Balaputra Defeated
Year: 856
Category: Religion
Prambanan is completed. According to the Shivagrha inscription, Rakai Pikatan — the husband of Pramodhawardhani — defeated Balaputra.
Tags: Hinduism, Temple, Architecture, Sailendra Dynasty, Mataram Kingdom, Inscriptions
Srivijayan King Constructs Buddhist Temple and Monastery at Nalanda
Year: 860
Category: Religion
Balaputra, the maharaja of Suvarnadvipa and the ruler of Srivijaya, constructs the Buddhist temple and monastery in Nalanda India, on the land given by King Devapaladeva. of Pala in Benggala, according to the Nalanda inscription.
Tags: Buddhism, Religion, Srivijaya, Monastery, Patronage
Laguna Copperplate Inscription: Earliest Known Written Record in the Philippines
Year: 900
Category: Society & Culture
The oldest text discovered in the Philippines—an acquittance document in Old Javanese—is inscribed on a copperplate in Luzon. The acquittance took place on 21 April 900 and involved several aristocrats and high-ranking officials from kingdoms within the islands of Luzon, Mindanao, and Java. The document is currently called the Laguna copperplate inscription.
Tags: Writing Systems, Cultural Heritage, Trade, Old Javanese
King Balitung's Religious and Infrastructural Projects in Mataram
Year: 907
Category: Religion
King Balitung creates the Mantyasih inscription containing the list of Mataram kings, moves the capital from Mamratipura to Poh Pitu, and expands Prambanan temple.
Tags: Hinduism, Mataram Kingdom, Inscriptions
Warmadewa Dynasty Established in Bali
Year: 914
Category: Politics
The Warmadewa dynasty rules Bali.
Tags: Dynasty, Kingdom, Political History, Middle Ages, Governance
Mataram Kingdom's Capital Shift and Isyana Dynasty's Establishment
Year: 929
Category: Politics
Mpu Sindok moves the seat of power of the Mataram Kingdom from Kewu Plain in Central Java to Tamwlang in East Java and establishes Isyana dynasty. The shift is probably as a result of the eruption of Mount Merapi and/or invasion from Srivijaya.
Tags: Monarchy, Dynasties, Mataram Kingdom, Political Transition, Volcanic Eruption, Srivijaya
Mpu Sindok Relocates Capital to Watugaluh
Year: 937
Category: Politics
Mpu Sindok moves the capital again from Tamwlang to Watugaluh, both near bank of Brantas River in modern Jombang in East Java.
Tags: Monarchy, Political Leadership
Marriage Unites Isyana and Warmadewa Dynasties
Year: 980
Category: Politics
Dynastic marriage between princess Mahendradatta of Javanese Isyanas and king Udayana of Balinese Warmadewas.
Tags: Dynastic Marriage, Political Alliance, Monarchy
King Dharmawangsa's Naval Invasion of Srivijaya
Year: 990
Category: Warfare & Military
King Dharmawangsa of Mataram kingdom launches a naval invasion on Palembang in an unsuccessful attempt to conquer Srivijaya. (to 1006)
Tags: Maritime History, Military Conflict, Middle Ages, Kingdom of Mataram, Srivijaya Empire, Naval Warfare, Political Intrigue
Birth of Airlangga, Prince of Bali
Year: 990
Category: Politics
Airlangga, son of King Udayana and Queen Mahendradatta was born in Bali.
Tags: Middle Ages, Monarchy, Succession
King Wurawari's Invasion and the Fall of Mataram
Year: 1006
Category: Warfare & Military
King Dharmawangsa's Mataram kingdom falls under the invasion of King Wurawari from Lwaram (highly possible Srivijayan ally in Java).
Tags: Middle Ages, Monarchy, Warfare, Military Conflict, Srivijaya, Mataram, Invasion, Political Instability
Airlangga Founds the Kingdom of Kahuripan
Year: 1019
Category: Politics
Airlangga establishes the Kingdom of Kahuripan.
Tags: Kingdom, Political Formation, Monarchy, Hinduism, Middle Ages
Chola Dynasty Conquest of Srivijaya
Year: 1025
Category: Warfare & Military
the Chola dynasty of India uses its naval powers to conquer the South East Asian kingdom of Srivijaya, turning it into a vassal.
Tags: Chola Dynasty, Srivijaya, Naval Warfare, Indian Ocean, Medieval India, Empire Building, Military Expansion, Trade Routes, Maritime History
Chola Empire Conquers Pannai and Kadaram, Raids Srivijayan Empire
Year: 1025
Category: Warfare & Military
Rajendra Chola, the Chola king from Cholamandala in South India, conquers Pannai and Kadaram from Srivijaya and occupies it for some time. The Cholas continue a series of raids and conquests of parts Srivijayan empire in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula.
Tags: Chola Dynasty, Srivijaya Empire, Naval Warfare, Indian Ocean, Conquest, Maritime Trade
Srivijayan Diplomatic Mission to Song China
Year: 1028
Category: Politics
the King of Srivijaya appeals to the Song dynasty Chinese, sending a diplomatic mission to their capital at Kaifeng.
Tags: Diplomacy, Song Dynasty, Srivijaya, Political Relations, Tribute System, Trade
Sanghyang Tapak Inscription Establishes Sacred Forest and Mentions Sunda Kingdom
Year: 1030
Category: Religion
Sanghyang Tapak inscription in the Cicatih River bank in Cibadak, Sukabumi, West Java, mentioned about the establishment of sacred forest and Kingdom of Sunda. (to 1579)
Tags: Middle Ages, Hinduism
Airlangga Splits Kahuripan into Janggala and Kadiri
Year: 1041
Category: Politics
Airlangga divides Kahuripan into two kingdoms Janggala and Kadiri and abdicates in favour of his successors.
Tags: Monarchy, Succession, Political Division
Chola Dynasty Launches Military Raids in Southeast Asia
Year: 1068
Category: Warfare & Military
Virarajendra Chola begins sending military raids into Malaysia and Indonesia.
Tags: Chola Dynasty, Military Expansion, Naval Power, Tamil Nadu, Warfare, Middle Ages, Maritime History, Indian Ocean, Raid
King Jayawarsa Ascends to the Throne of Kadiri
Year: 1104
Category: Politics
King Jayawarsa of Kadiri (on Java) ascends to the throne.
Tags: Monarchy, Dynasty, Middle Ages, Succession
King Kamesvara Ascends to the Throne of Kadiri, Janggala Annexed
Year: 1115
Category: Politics
In Java, King Kamesvara of Kadiri ascends to the throne. Janggala ceases to exist and comes under Kadiri domination, highly possible under royal marriage. During his reign, Mpu Dharmaja writes Kakawin Smaradahana, a eulogy for the king which become the inspiration for the Panji cycle tales, which spread across Southeast Asia.
Tags: Succession, Political Consolidation
King Jayabaya Ascends the Throne of Kadiri
Year: 1135
Category: Politics
King Jayabaya of Kadiri ascends to the throne.
Tags: Monarchy, Political Leadership, Middle Ages, Javanese History
Ken Arok's Victory at Ganter and the Fall of Kediri
Year: 1233
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of Ganter, Ken Arok defeated Kertajaya, the last king of Kediri, thus established Singhasari kingdom Ken Arok ended the reign of Isyana Dynasty and started his own Rajasa dynasty.
Tags: Monarchy, Warfare, Political Transition, Dynastic Change, Singhasari
Establishment of the Sultanate of Ternate
Year: 1257
Category: Politics
Baab Mashur Malamo established the Sultanate of Ternate in Maluku.
Tags: Sultanate, Political Formation, Maluku Islands, Middle Ages, Monarchy
Singhasari's Pamalayu Expedition Against Melayu
Year: 1275
Category: Warfare & Military
King Kertanegara of Singhasari launched Pamalayu expedition against Melayu Kingdom in Sumatra (ended in 1292).
Tags: Singhasari, Military Expedition, Imperialism, Political Conflict, Sumatra
Singhasari Annexation of Bali
Year: 1284
Category: Warfare & Military
King Kertanegara launches the Pabali expedition to Bali, integrating Bali into the Singhasari territory.
Tags: Military Campaign, Territorial Expansion, Middle Ages, Warfare, Political Integration
Kertanegara's Insult to Yuan Dynasty Envoys
Year: 1289
Category: Politics
Kertanegara insulted the envoy of Kublai Khan, who demanded that Java pay tribute to the Yuan Dynasty.
Tags: Diplomacy, Yuan Dynasty, Majapahit Empire, Imperialism, Sovereignty
Jayakatwang's Rebellion and the Fall of Singhasari
Year: 1292
Category: Warfare & Military
Jayakatwang, duke of Kediri, rebels and kills Kertanegara, ending the Singhasari kingdom.
Tags: Javanese History, Monarchy, Rebellion, Military Conflict, Political Instability
Marco Polo Reports on Sumatran Trading Ports
Year: 1292
Category: Economy & Trade
Marco Polo, on his voyage from China to Persia, visits Sumatra and reports that, on the northern part of Sumatra, there were six trading ports, including Ferlec, Samudera and Lambri.
Tags: Trade, Maritime Trade, Exploration, Silk Road, Sumatra, Voyages of Discovery
Mongol Repulsion in Java
Year: 1293
Category: Warfare & Military
Mongol invasion of Java. Kublai Khan of Yuan dynasty China, sends punitive attack against Kertanegara of Singhasari, who repels the Mongol forces.
Tags: Mongol Empire, Yuan Dynasty, Military Conflict, Expansionism, Singhasari, Warfare
Nararya Sangramawijaya Crowned, Founding Majapahit Kingdom
Year: 1293
Category: Politics
On 10 November, the coronation of Nararya Sangramawijaya as monarch, marks the foundation of the Hindu Majapahit kingdom in eastern Java.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Hinduism, Kingdom, Monarchy, Political Formation, Javanese History
Islam's Early Presence in Aceh
Year: 1300
Category: Religion
Islam is likely established in the Aceh region.
Tags: Islam, Religious Conversion, Spread of Religion, Trade
Founding of the Kingdom of Kutai Kartanegara
Year: 1300
Category: Politics
Aji Batara Agung Dewa Sakti founds the Kingdom of Kutai Kartanegara/Sultanate of Kutai in the Tepian Batu or Kutai Lama.
Tags: Kingdom, Sultanate, Political Formation, Monarchy
Sri Lumay Establishes Rajahnate of Cebu
Year: 1300
Category: Politics
Sri Rajahmura Lumaya, known in his shortened name Sri Lumay, a half-Tamil and half Malay minor prince of the Chola dynasty in Sumatra established the Indianized Rajahnate of Cebu in Cebu Island on the Philippine Archipelago.
Tags: Kingdom, Chola Dynasty, Pre-colonial Philippines, Political Formation
Jayanegara Ascends to the Throne of Majapahit
Year: 1309
Category: Politics
King Jayanegara succeeds Kertarajasa Jayawardhana as ruler of Majapahit.
Tags: Majapahit, Monarchy, Succession, Middle Ages, Dynasty
Franciscan Friar's Voyage and Description of Majapahit
Year: 1318
Category: Society & Culture
1330: An Italian Franciscan friar, Mattiussi, visited Sumatra, Java, and Banjarmasin in Borneo. In his record he described the kingdom of Majapahit.
Tags: Exploration, Middle Ages, Religious Orders, Majapahit, Cultural Exchange, Travel Literature
Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi Ascends to the Throne of Majapahit
Year: 1328
Category: Politics
Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi succeeds Jayanegara as ruler of Majapahit.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Javanese History, Monarchy, Succession, Political Leadership
Adityawarman Establishes Malayupura in Pagarruyung
Year: 1347
Category: Politics
Adityawarman moved the capital of Dharmasraya and established the kingdom of Malayupura in Pagarruyung, West Sumatra.
Tags: Sumatra, Kingdom, Political Transition, Monarchy
Hayam Wuruk Ascends to the Throne of Majapahit
Year: 1350
Category: Politics
Hayam Wuruk, styled Sri Rajasanagara, succeeds Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi as ruler of Majapahit; his reign is considered the empire's 'Golden Age'. Under its military commander Gajah Mada, Majapahit stretches over much of modern-day Indonesia.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Golden Age, Kings and Rulers, Dynasties, Political History
Massacre of the Sundanese Royal Family at Bubat
Year: 1357
Category: Warfare & Military
In the Battle of Bubat, the Sundanese royal family is massacred by the Majapahit army by the order of Gajah Mada; the death toll includes Sundanese king Lingga Buana and princess Dyah Pitaloka Citraresmi, who committed suicide.
Tags: Warfare, Majapahit Empire, Political Intrigue, Conflict
Majapahit Punitive Expedition Against Palembang
Year: 1377
Category: Warfare & Military
Majapahit sends a punitive expedition against Palembang in Sumatra. Palembang's prince, Parameswara (later Iskandar Syah) flees, eventually finding his way to Malacca and establishing it as a major international port.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Sumatra, Military Conflict, Maritime History, Trade
Wikramawardhana Ascends to the Majapahit Throne
Year: 1389
Category: Politics
Wikramawardhana succeeds Sri Rajasanagara as ruler of Majapahit.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Dynastic Succession, Monarchy, Middle Ages
Regreg War Begins in Majapahit Civil War
Year: 1404
Category: Warfare & Military
1406: Regreg War, Majapahit civil war of secession between Wikramawardhana against Wirabhumi.
Tags: Warfare, Civil War, Majapahit Empire, Dynastic Conflict, Military History
Zheng He's Treasure Voyages Begin
Year: 1405
Category: Economy & Trade
1433: During the Ming treasure voyages, Admiral Zheng He of China sails through the Indian Ocean to Malacca, India, Ceylon, Persia, Arabia, and East Africa to spread China's influence and sovereignty. The first voyage, a massive Ming dynasty naval expedition ending in 1407, visited Java, Palembang, Malacca, Aru, Samudera and Lambri.
Tags: Ming Dynasty, Indian Ocean, Trade, Diplomacy, Imperialism, Silk Road
Suhita Ascends to the Throne of Majapahit
Year: 1429
Category: Politics
Queen Suhita succeeds her father Wikramawardhana as ruler of Majapahit.
Tags: Majapahit, Monarchy, Succession, Javanese History, Rulers, Governance
Wijaya Parakrama Wardhana Ascends to the Throne of Majapahit
Year: 1447
Category: Politics
Wijaya Parakrama Wardhana, succeeds Suhita as ruler of Majapahit.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Javanese History, Monarchy, Succession
Rajasawardhana Ascends to the Throne of Majapahit
Year: 1451
Category: Politics
Rajasawardhana, born Bhre Pamotan, styled Brawijaya II succeeds Wijayaparakramawardhana as ruler of Majapahit.
Tags: Majapahit, Javanese History, Kings and Rulers, Dynastic Succession
Girishawardhana Ascends to the Throne of Majapahit
Year: 1456
Category: Politics
Girishawardhana, styled Brawijaya III, becomes ruler of Majapahit.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Javanese History, Monarchy, Succession, Middle Ages
Singhawikramawardhana Ascends to the Throne of Majapahit
Year: 1466
Category: Politics
Singhawikramawardhana, succeeds Girishawardhana as ruler of Majapahit.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Javanese History, Monarchy, Succession, Political Leadership
End of Singhawikramawardhana's Reign
Year: 1478
Category: Politics
Reign of Singhawikramawardhana ends.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Monarchy, Succession, Middle Ages, Governance
Construction of the Great Mosque of Demak
Year: 1478
Category: Religion
The Great Mosque of Demak is the oldest mosque in Java, built by the Wali Songo during the reign of Sultan Raden Patah.
Tags: Islam, Sultanate, Religious Architecture
Islam's Dominance Established in Indonesian Archipelago
Year: 1500
Category: Religion
Islam becomes the dominant religion across the Indonesian archipelago.
Tags: Islam, Religion, Cultural Diffusion, Trade, Religious Conversion
Sultan Trenggono Founds Demak Sultanate in Java
Year: 1505
Category: Politics
Sultan Trenggono builds the first Muslim kingdom in Java, called Demak, in Indonesia. Many other small kingdoms were established in other islands to fight against Portuguese. Each kingdom introduced local language as a way of communication and unity.
Tags: Islam, Colonialism, Sultanate, Kingdom, Portuguese Empire, Political Formation
Portuguese Attempt to Capture Malacca Fails
Year: 1509
Category: Warfare & Military
The Portuguese king sends Diogo Lopes de Sequeira to find Malacca, the eastern terminus of Asian trade. After initially receiving Sequeira, Sultan Mahmud Shah captures and/or kills several of his men and attempts an assault on the four Portuguese ships, which escape. The Javanese fleet is also destroyed in Malacca.
Tags: Portuguese Empire, Trade Routes, Exploration, Age of Exploration, Maritime Conflict, Colonialism, Trade, Naval Warfare
Portuguese Expedition to the Spice Islands
Year: 1512
Category: Economy & Trade
The first Portuguese exploratory expedition was sent eastward from Malacca (in present-day Malaysia) to search for the 'Spice Islands' (Maluku) led by Francisco Serrão. Serrão is shipwrecked but struggles on to Hitu (northern Ambon) and wins the favour of the local rulers.
Tags: Exploration, Maritime History, Spice Trade, Portuguese Empire, Age of Exploration, Maluku Islands
Acehnese Sultanate's Expansion Begins with Capture of Daya
Year: 1520
Category: Warfare & Military
Sultan Ali Mughayat Shah of Aceh begins an expansionist campaign capturing Daya on the west Sumatran coast (in present-day Indonesia), and the pepper and gold producing lands on the east coast.
Tags: Aceh Sultanate, Sumatra, Expansionism, Military Campaign, Regional Power, Spice Trade
Portuguese Trading Post Established in Lamakera
Year: 1520
Category: Economy & Trade
The Portuguese established a trading post in the village of Lamakera on the eastern side of Solor (in present-day Indonesia) as a transit harbour between Maluku and Malacca.
Tags: Portuguese Empire, Spice Trade, Colonialism, Trade, Maluku Islands, Malacca, Trading Post
Magellan Expedition's Cloves Trade with Maluku
Year: 1521
Category: Economy & Trade
November, Ferdinand Magellan's expedition reaches Maluku (in present-day Indonesia) and after trade with Ternate returns to Europe with a load of cloves.
Tags: Exploration, Spice Trade, Colonialism, Maritime History, Age of Exploration, Trade, Portuguese Empire, Maluku Islands
Portuguese Alliance with Ternate and Fort Construction
Year: 1522
Category: Warfare & Military
The Portuguese ally themselves with the rulers of Ternate (in present-day Indonesia) and begin construction of a fort.
Tags: Colonialism, Trade, Military, Portuguese Empire, Spice Trade, Military Alliance, Fortification, Ternate, European Expansion
Portugal Granted Fortress Rights in Sunda Kelapa
Year: 1522
Category: Politics
August, Luso-Sundanese Treaty signed between Portugal and Sunda Kingdom granted Portuguese permit to build fortress in Sunda Kelapa.
Tags: Treaty, Colonialism, Trade, Fortification
Fall of Majapahit and Rise of Demak
Year: 1527
Category: Politics
The Majapahit Empire fell to Demak, with many fleeing to Bali while Demak, under Sultan Fatah, became the new center of power.
Tags: Majapahit, Sultanate, Majapahit Empire, Islamic Expansion, Political Transition, Succession
Portuguese Depose Sultan Tabariji of Ternate
Year: 1535
Category: Politics
The Portuguese in Ternate depose Sultan Tabariji (or Tabarija) and send him to Portuguese Goa where he converts to Christianity and bequeaths his Portuguese godfather Jordao de Freitas the island of Ambon. Hairun becomes the next sultan.
Tags: Colonialism, Portuguese Empire, Sultanate of Ternate, Conversion, Political Intrigue, Spice Trade, Trade, Religious Conversion
Francis Xavier's Missionary Work in the Moluccas
Year: 1546
Category: Religion
Francis Xavier works among the peoples of Ambon, Ternate and Morotai (Moro) laying the foundations for a permanent mission. (to 1547)
Tags: Christianity, Colonialism, Catholicism, Missionary Work, Religious Conversion, Exploration
Arya Penangsang's Assassination of Sunan Prawoto
Year: 1549
Category: Warfare & Military
Arya Penangsang with the support of his teacher, Sunan Kudus, avenges the death of Raden Kikin by sending an envoy named Rangkud to kill Sunan Prawoto by Keris Kyai Satan Kober (in present-day Indonesia).
Tags: Javanese History, Power Struggle, Assassination, Sultanate, Religious Conflict, Political Intrigue
Sultan Hairun of Ternate Protests Portuguese Christianization Efforts, Leading to Hostilities
Year: 1559
Category: Religion
Sultan Hairun of Ternate (in present-day Indonesia) protests the Portuguese's Christianisation activities in his lands. Hostilities between Ternate and the Portuguese.
Tags: Colonialism, Religious Conflict, Portuguese Empire, Sultanate of Ternate, Islam, Christianity, Resistance
Portuguese Dominicans Begin Christianization in Java
Year: 1562
Category: Religion
Portuguese Dominican priests build a palm-trunk fortress which Javanese Muslims burned down the following year. The fort was rebuilt from more durable materials and the Dominicans commenced the Christianisation of the local population.
Tags: Christianity, Islam, Colonialism, Fortification, Religious Conflict, Catholicism, Religious Conversion, Portuguese Empire
Hadiwijaya Orders Sutawijaya to Assassinate Arya Penangsang
Year: 1568
Category: Warfare & Military
Hadiwijaya sent his adopted son and son in-law Sutawijaya, who would later become the first ruler of the Mataram dynasty of Indonesia, to kill Arya Penangsang.
Tags: Sutawijaya, Mataram Sultanate, Assassination, Political Intrigue, Warfare, Succession
Ternate-Portugal Peace Treaty
Year: 1569
Category: Politics
Peace treaty signed by Sultan Hairun of Ternate and Governor Lopez De Mesquita of Portugal.
Tags: Treaty, Colonialism, Ternate, Spice Trade, Sultanate of Ternate, Portuguese Empire
Sultan Hairun of Ternate Assassinated by Portuguese
Year: 1570
Category: Warfare & Military
Sultan Hairun of Ternate (in present-day Indonesia) is killed by the Portuguese. Babullah becomes the next Sultan.
Tags: Colonialism, Portuguese Empire, Sultanate, Spice Trade, Sultanate of Ternate, Assassination, Warfare
Ternate Defeats Portuguese After Five-Year War
Year: 1575
Category: Warfare & Military
Following a five-year war, the Ternateans under Sultan Babullah defeated the Portuguese.
Tags: Colonialism, Warfare, Trade, Islam, Spice Trade, Portuguese Empire, Sultanate of Ternate, Military Conflict
Ki Ageng Pemanahan Establishes Palace in Kotagede
Year: 1577
Category: Politics
Ki Ageng Pemanahan built his palace in Pasargede or Kotagede.
Tags: Mataram Sultanate, Political Founding, Javanese History
Portuguese Shift Trading Focus to Ambon in Maluku
Year: 1578
Category: Economy & Trade
The Portuguese establish a fort on Tidore but the main centre for Portuguese activities in Maluku becomes Ambon.
Tags: Colonialism, Maluku Islands, Trade, Fortification, Portuguese Empire, Spice Trade, Moluccas, Trade Routes, Maritime History
Drake in Maluku and Portuguese Presence Shifts
Year: 1579
Category: Politics
The British navigator Sir Francis Drake passes through Maluku and transit in Ternate on his circumnavigation of the world. The Portuguese establish a fort on Tidore but the main centre for Portuguese activities in Maluku becomes Ambon.
Tags: Exploration, Colonialism, Spice Trade, Age of Exploration, European Colonization, Maritime History, Portuguese Empire, Ternate, Ambon
Death of Sultan Babullah of Ternate
Year: 1583
Category: Politics
Death of Sultan Babullah of Ternate.
Tags: Ternate, Sultanate, Moluccas, Colonialism, Political Leadership
Ki Ageng Pemanahan's Death and Sutawijaya's Ascension in Mataram
Year: 1584
Category: Politics
Ki Ageng Pemanahan died. Sultan Pajang raised Sutawijaya, son of Ki Ageng Pemanahan as the new ruler in Mataram, titled "Loring Ngabehi Market" (because of his home in the north of the market).
Tags: Mataram, Succession, Sultan, Javanese History, Mataram Sultanate, Political Power, Monarchy, Sutawijaya
Invading Troops' Disaster: Mount Merapi Eruption and the Mataram Sultanate
Year: 1587
Category: Warfare & Military
Troops that would invade Pajang Mataram Sultanate storm ravaged the eruption of Mount Merapi. Sutawijaya and his men survived.
Tags: Warfare, Mataram, Military History, Natural Disaster, Volcanic Eruption, Mataram Sultanate, Javanese History, Sutawijaya, Conflict
Sutawijaya Establishes Mataram Kingdom
Year: 1588
Category: Politics
Mataram into the kingdom with Sutawijaya as Sultan, titled "Senapati Ingalaga Sayidin Panatagama" means the warlord and cleric Manager Religious Life.
Tags: Sutawijaya, Monarchy, Sultanate, Mataram, Political Formation, Javanese History, Religious Authority
First Dutch Expedition Sails for the East Indies
Year: 1595
Category: Economy & Trade
First Dutch expedition to Indonesia sets sail for the East Indies with two hundred and forty-nine men and sixty-four cannons led by Cornelis de Houtman.
Tags: Exploration, Colonialism, Dutch East India Company, Maritime, Trade, Spice Trade, Maritime History
De Houtman Expedition's Clashes in Java
Year: 1596
Category: Warfare & Military
June, de Houtman's expedition reaches Banten the main pepper port of West Java where they clash with both the Portuguese and Indonesians. It then sails east along the north coast of Java losing twelve crew to a Javanese attack at Sidayu and killing a local ruler in Madura.
Tags: Exploration, Colonialism, Trade, Conflict, European Exploration, Spice Trade, Dutch East India Company, Naval Warfare
Houtman's Spice Expedition Returns to Netherlands, Yielding Profit
Year: 1597
Category: Economy & Trade
Cornelis de Houtman's expedition returns to the Netherlands with enough spices to make a considerable profit.
Tags: Exploration, Spice Trade, Dutch East India Company, Colonialism, Economics, European Exploration, Age of Discovery, Maritime Trade, Globalization
Portuguese Armada Suppresses Solorese Uprising
Year: 1598
Category: Warfare & Military
The Portuguese require an armada of 90 ships to put down a Solorese uprising. (to 1599)
Tags: Colonialism, Rebellion, Military, Portuguese Empire, Military History, Naval Warfare
Dutch Fleets Depart for Indonesia, Generating Profits
Year: 1598
Category: Economy & Trade
More Dutch fleets leave for Indonesia and most are profitable.Edo period screen depicting the Battle of Sekigahara
Tags: Dutch East India Company, Trade, Exploration, Colonialism, Dutch Golden Age, Spice Trade, East Indies, Maritime Trade
Van Neck Expedition Returns with High Profit
Year: 1599
Category: Economy & Trade
The van Neck expedition returns to Europe. The expedition makes a 400 per cent profit. (to 1600)
Tags: Exploration, Trade, Dutch East India Company, Maritime History, Dutch Golden Age, Spice Trade, East India Company, Maritime Trade, Colonialism
Dutch Fleet Reaches the Spice Islands
Year: 1599
Category: Economy & Trade
March, Leaving Europe the previous year, a fleet of eight ships under Jacob van Neck was the first Dutch fleet to reach the ‘Spice Islands’ of Maluku.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, Exploration, Spice Trade, Maritime History, Maluku Islands, Age of Exploration, Colonialism, Mercantilism
Portuguese Naval Victory in Ambon and Dutch-Hituese Alliance
Year: 1600
Category: Warfare & Military
The Portuguese win a major naval battle in the bay of Ambon. Later in the year, the Dutch join forces with the local Hituese in an anti-Portuguese alliance, in return for which the Dutch would have the sole right to purchase spices from Hitu.
Tags: Colonialism, Naval Warfare, Spice Trade, Dutch East India Company, Portuguese Empire, Maritime History, Military Alliances
Panembahan Senopati's Death and Succession in Mataram
Year: 1601
Category: Politics
Panembahan Senopati, first king of Mataram, dies and passes rule to his son Panembahan Seda ing Krapyak.
Tags: Mataram Sultanate, Succession, Monarchy
Dutch East India Company Established
Year: 1602
Category: Economy & Trade
The Dutch East India Company (VOC) is established by merging competing Dutch trading companies. Its success contributes to the Dutch Golden Age.
Tags: Dutch Golden Age, Colonialism, Mercantilism, Globalization, East Indies, Trade, Monopoly, Spice Trade, VOC
British East India Company Establishes Trading Post in Bantam
Year: 1602
Category: Economy & Trade
June, British East India Company's first voyage, commanded by Sir James Lancaster, arrives in Aceh and sails on to Bantam where he is allowed to build trading post which becomes the centre of British trade in Indonesia until 1682.
Tags: British East India Company, Colonialism, Trade, Spice Trade, European Expansion
Acehnese Emissaries Visit the Dutch Republic
Year: 1602
Category: Politics
Two emissaries from the Aceh Sultanate visit the Dutch Republic.
Tags: Diplomacy, Trade, Sultanate, Dutch Republic, Colonialism
Dutch Establish Trading Post in Banten and Commence Privateering
Year: 1603
Category: Economy & Trade
First permanent Dutch trading post is established in Banten, West Java. First successful VOC privateering raid on a Portuguese ship.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, Trade, Colonialism, Spice Trade, Maritime History
Second English East India Company Voyage Encounters VOC Hostility in Banda
Year: 1604
Category: Economy & Trade
A second English East India Company voyage commanded by Sir Henry Middleton reaches Ternate, Tidore, Ambon and Banda. Fierce VOC hostility is encountered in Banda thus beginning Anglo-Dutch competition for access to spices.
Tags: Spice Trade, East India Company, VOC, Colonialism, Maritime Trade, Exploration, Banda Islands
King of Gowa Converts to Islam
Year: 1605
Category: Religion
The King of Gowa, a Makassarese kingdom in South Sulawesi, converts to Islam.Tsar Michael I of Russia reigned 1613–1645
Tags: Islam, Conversion, Sultanate, Religion
VOC and Hitu Capture Portuguese Fort in Ambon
Year: 1605
Category: Warfare & Military
February, The VOC in alliance with Hitu prepare to attack a Portuguese fort in Ambon but the Portuguese surrender.
Tags: VOC, Portuguese Empire, Spice Trade, Ambon, Colonialism, Military History
Mataram's Control Established Over Demak
Year: 1605
Category: Politics
Panembahan Seda ing Krapyak of Mataram establishes control over Demak, former center of the Demak Sultanate.
Tags: Mataram Sultanate, Political Consolidation, Javanese History, Regional Power, Sultanate
Willem Janszoon Lands in Australia
Year: 1606
Category: Politics
Willem Janszoon captained the first recorded European landing on the Australian continent, sailing from Bantam, Java, in the Duyfken.
Tags: Age of Discovery, Exploration, Dutch East India Company, Colonialism, Maritime History
Spanish Occupation of Ternate and Tidore
Year: 1606
Category: Warfare & Military
A Spanish fleet occupies Ternate and Tidore in Maluku.
Tags: Colonialism, Spice Trade, Spanish Empire, Military Occupation, Maluku Islands, Territorial Expansion, Warfare
Iskandar Muda Ascends to Throne, Aceh's Expansion Begins
Year: 1607
Category: Warfare & Military
Iskandar Muda becomes the Sultan of Aceh for 30 years. He will launch a series of naval conquests that will transform Aceh into a great power in the western Malay Archipelago.
Tags: Aceh Sultanate, Sultan Iskandar Muda, Naval Warfare, Military Expansion, Monarchy
Dutch East India Company Establishes Factory in Hirado and Expands Trade
Year: 1609
Category: Economy & Trade
The Dutch East India Company establishes a factory in Hirado, Japan. VOC traders also make forays into South Sulawesi and Banjarmasin, Borneo.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, Colonialism, Trade, Mercantilism
VOC Establishes Governor-General in Asia
Year: 1610
Category: Economy & Trade
The VOC appoints Pieter Both as its first Governor-General to enable firmer control of their affairs in Asia. Previously all business had (in theory) required the approval of the Heeren XVII, a group of seventeen shareholders in Amsterdam.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, VOC, Colonialism, Trade, Globalization, Mercantilism
Mataram's Siege of Surabaya
Year: 1610
Category: Warfare & Military
Panembahan Seda ing Krapyak of Mataram in Central Java attacks Surabaya, a major power on the north coast.
Tags: Military History, Mataram Sultanate, Siege, Warfare, Regional Conflict
English Trading Posts Challenge Dutch East Indies Trade Monopoly
Year: 1611
Category: Economy & Trade
The English establish trading posts at Sukadana (southwest Kalimantan), Makassar, Jayakarta and Jepara in Java, and Aceh, Pariaman and Jambi in (Sumatra) threatening Dutch ambitions for a monopoly on East Indies trade.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, British East India Company, Trade, Colonialism, Spice Trade, Competition, Maritime History, Mercantilism
Gowa Halts Major Islamization Push in South Sulawesi
Year: 1611
Category: Religion
The Kingdom of Gowa ends its major push to convert the Makassarese and Bugis in South Sulawesi to Islam.
Tags: Islam, Religious Conversion, Religious Conflict
Dutch East India Company Establishes Trading Post at Jayakarta
Year: 1611
Category: Economy & Trade
The Dutch establish a post at Jayakarta (later 'Batavia' and then 'Jakarta').
Tags: Dutch East India Company, Colonialism, Trade, Spice Trade, Batavia, VOC
Dutch Sack Banjarmasin After Trader's Death
Year: 1611
Category: Warfare & Military
A Dutch trader is killed in Banjarmasin and the Dutch East India Trading Company sacks the city.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, Colonialism, Trade, Military Conflict, Violence, Spice Trade
Aceh's Conquest of Deli
Year: 1612
Category: Warfare & Military
Sultan Iskandar Muda of Aceh captures the North Sumatran port of Deli.
Tags: Aceh Sultanate, Military Campaign, Colonial Era, Sultan Iskandar Muda, Sumatra, Regional Power, Maritime Power
Dutch East India Company Relocates Trading Post to Jepara
Year: 1613
Category: Economy & Trade
The Dutch East India Company is forced to evacuate Gresik due to the Mataram siege in neighboring Surabaya. The dutch negotiates with Mataram and is allowed to set up a trading post in Jepara.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, VOC, Trade, Colonialism, Siege, Mataram Sultanate, Trading Post
Dutch Expel Portuguese from Solor Fort
Year: 1613
Category: Warfare & Military
The Dutch expel the Portuguese from their Solor fort, but won't stay for long.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East India Company, Portuguese Empire, Spice Trade, Military Conflict, Fort
Dutch East India Company Begins Operations in Timor
Year: 1613
Category: Economy & Trade
The Dutch East India Company makes its first forays into Timor.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, VOC, Colonialism, Spice Trade, Trade, Exploration, Mercantilism
Aceh's Expansion: Conquest of Aru and Raids on Johor
Year: 1613
Category: Warfare & Military
Sultan Iskandar Muda of Aceh captures the North Sumatran port of Aru, subjugating the Sultanate of Deli. This allows Aceh to focus its expansionary efforts on the Straits of Malacca. Iskandar Muda continues on to sack Johor and kidnap its Sultan's family, but is later forced to retreat back to Aceh.
Tags: Aceh Sultanate, Sultan Iskandar Muda, Military Campaign, Colonial Era, Warfare, Regional Power, Maritime Conflict
Panembahan Seda ing Krapyak's Death and Succession
Year: 1613
Category: Politics
Panembahan Seda ing Krapyak of Mataram dies and is succeeded by his son.
Tags: Kingdom of Mataram, Javanese History, Succession, Monarchy, Political Leadership, Sultanate
Acehnese Navy Defeats Portuguese Fleet at Bintan
Year: 1614
Category: Warfare & Military
Sultan Iskandar Muda of Aceh sinks a Portuguese fleet off of Bintan Island.
Tags: Aceh Sultanate, Portuguese Empire, Naval Warfare, Colonialism, Military Conflict, Sultan Iskandar Muda, Maritime History
Mataram Conquest of East Java
Year: 1615
Category: Warfare & Military
Panembahan ing Alaga of Mataram conquers the Eastern Salient of Java (the heartland of the old Majapahit Empire).
Tags: Conquest, Kingdom of Mataram, Majapahit Empire, Javanese History, Warfare, Expansionism, Political Consolidation
Dutch East India Company Conflicts with the Kingdom of Gowa
Year: 1615
Category: Warfare & Military
The Dutch East India Company is in open hostilities with the Kingdom of Gowa, South Sulawesi.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, VOC, Colonialism, Trade, Warfare, Military Conflict
Acehnese Conquest of Pahang
Year: 1617
Category: Warfare & Military
Sultan Iskandar Muda of Aceh conquers Pahang on the South China Sea.
Tags: Aceh Sultanate, Conquest, Sultan Iskandar Muda, Maritime History
Mataram Suppresses Revolt in Pajang
Year: 1617
Category: Warfare & Military
Panembahan ing Alaga of Mataram puts down a major revolt in Pajang.
Tags: Mataram Sultanate, Rebellion, Military Conflict, Sultan Agung, Political Instability
Execution of Dutch Traders in Jepara by Mataram Forces
Year: 1618
Category: Warfare & Military
Dispute leads to the execution of Dutchmen in Mataram-controlled Jepara.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, VOC, Mataram Sultanate, Colonialism, Trade, Conflict
Dutch East India Company Storms Jayakarta and Establishes Batavia
Year: 1619
Category: Warfare & Military
The Dutch East India Company storm Jayakarta and withstand a months-long siege by the combined English, Bantenese and Jayakartan forces. They are relieved by Jan Pieterszoon Coen and a fleet of ships from Ambon. The dutch destroys Jayakarta and builds its new headquarters, Batavia, on top of it.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, Colonialism, Siege, Military Conflict, Trade, Batavia, Jan Pieterszoon Coen
Amboyna Massacre: Execution of English and Japanese Traders
Year: 1623
Category: Politics
In a notorious but disputed incident, known as the 'Amboyna massacre', ten English and ten Japanese traders are arrested, tried and beheaded for conspiracy against the Dutch Government. The English quietly withdraw from most of their Indonesian activities (except trading in Bantam) and focus on other Asian interests.
Tags: Colonialism, East Indies, Spice Trade, Dutch East India Company, British East India Company, Maritime History, Massacre
Sultan Agung's Conquest of Surabaya
Year: 1625
Category: Warfare & Military
Sultan Agung of Mataram Sultanate conquered Surabaya, a merchant city and Mataram's strongest rival in east Java.
Tags: Sultan Agung, Mataram Sultanate, Javanese History, Conquest, Regional Power, City-State, Warfare
Mataram's First Failed Siege of Batavia
Year: 1628
Category: Warfare & Military
1629: Sultan Agung of Mataram launches a failed campaign to conquer Dutch Batavia.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East India Company, Sultan Agung, Mataram Sultanate, Military Conflict, Siege Warfare
Aceh Sultanate's Failed Siege of Portuguese Malacca
Year: 1629
Category: Warfare & Military
Iskandar Muda of Aceh Sultanate launched a failed attempt to take Portuguese Malacca.
Tags: Colonialism, Aceh Sultanate, Portuguese Empire, Military Conflict, Siege, Maritime History
Death of Sultan Agung of Mataram
Year: 1646
Category: Politics
Sultan Agung of Mataram dies – and is buried at his graveyard at Imogiri.
Tags: Mataram Sultanate, Sultan, Royal Death, Succession, Javanese History
Dutch Secure Nutmeg Monopoly with Treaty of Breda
Year: 1667
Category: Economy & Trade
As a result of the Treaty of Breda between Dutch and England, the Dutch secured a worldwide monopoly on nutmeg by forcing England to give up their claim on Run, the most remote of the Banda Islands.
Tags: Colonialism, Spice Trade, Dutch East India Company, Mercantilism, Banda Islands, Monopoly
Textiles Surpass Spices as Dominant Trade Item in Dutch East Indies
Year: 1700
Category: Economy & Trade
With the decline of the spice trade, textiles are now the most important trade item in the Dutch East Indies.
Tags: Dutch East Indies, Trade, Textiles, Spice Trade, Colonialism, Economic History, Globalization, Dutch East India Company
Outbreak of the First Javanese War of Succession
Year: 1704
Category: Warfare & Military
First Javanese War of Succession.
Tags: Warfare, Succession, Mataram Sultanate, Internal Conflict, Military History, Political Instability
Coffee from Java Arrives in Amsterdam
Year: 1712
Category: Economy & Trade
The first shipment of coffee from Java reaches Amsterdam.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East India Company, Trade, Commodities, Global Trade
Surabaya Uprising Against the Dutch East India Company
Year: 1717
Category: Warfare & Military
Surabaya rebels against the VOC.
Tags: Colonialism, Rebellion, VOC, Dutch East India Company, Military Conflict, Resistance
Outbreak of the Second Javanese War of Succession
Year: 1719
Category: Warfare & Military
Second Javanese War of Succession.
Tags: Javanese History, Colonialism, Dutch East India Company, Internal Conflict, Military Conflict
Governor-General van Cloon of Batavia Dies of Malaria
Year: 1735
Category: Politics
Governor-General Dirck van Cloon dies, one of many victims of malaria in Batavia.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East India Company, VOC, Batavia, Governance, Public Health, Dutch Empire
Kartasura Falls: Geger Pecinan Uprising
Year: 1743
Category: Warfare & Military
The capital of the Sultanate of Mataram Kartasura fell under the Geger Pecinan uprising — Raden Mas Garendi (Sunan Kuning) led Chinese mercenaries in revolt against Pakubuwono II.
Tags: Rebellion, Civil War, Colonialism
Pakubuwono II Establishes Surakarta Sunanate in Sala Village
Year: 1745
Category: Politics
17 February, Pakubuwono II establishes a new kraton in Sala village, along with Surakarta Sunanate.
Tags: Political History
Treaty of Giyanti Divides Mataram Sultanate and Establishes Yogyakarta
Year: 1755
Category: Politics
13 February, the Treaty of Giyanti is signed, effectively partitioning the Mataram Sultanate; the VOC recognizes Mangkubumi as Sultan Hamengkubuwana I, who rules half of Central Java; Hamengkubuwana I then establishes Yogyakarta Sultanate, moves to Yogya and renames the city Yogyakarta.
Tags: Treaty, Partition, Sultanate, Colonialism, VOC, Political Division
Establishment of the Mangkunegaran Grand Duchy
Year: 1757
Category: Politics
17 March, Salatiga treaty between Prince Sambernyawa with Pakubuwono III and Hamengkubuwono I further partitions the remnant of Mataram Sultanate; the Mangkunegaran Grand Duchy is established.
Tags: Treaty, Partition, Sultanate, Colonialism, Javanese History, Mataram Sultanate
French Capture Clove Plants, Challenging Dutch Spice Monopoly
Year: 1769
Category: Economy & Trade
French expeditions capture clove plants in Ambon, ending the Dutch East India Company's (VOC) monopoly of the plant.
Tags: Colonialism, Spice Trade, Dutch East India Company, French Empire, Monopoly, Competition, Ambon, Economy, Globalization
Founding of Kongsi Republics in Borneo
Year: 1776
Category: Politics
Several kongsi republics are founded by Chinese settlers in the island of Borneo. They are some of the first democracies in Asia.
Tags: Republic, Democracy, Governance
Hamengkubuwana I of Yogyakarta Dies
Year: 1792
Category: Politics
March, Hamengkubuwana I dies.
Tags: Javanese History, Monarchy
Dutch East India Company Dissolved
Year: 1799
Category: Economy & Trade
Dutch East India Company is dissolved.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch Empire, Trade, Mercantilism, Globalization, Spice Trade, VOC, Imperialism, Decline of Empires
VOC Dissolved, Dutch East Indies Established
Year: 1800
Category: Politics
On 1 January, the bankrupt VOC is formally dissolved and the nationalized Dutch East Indies are established.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch Empire, VOC, East Indies, Nationalization, Political Transition, Global Trade, Imperialism
Outbreak of the First Phase of the Padri War
Year: 1803
Category: Warfare & Military
First phase of Padri War. (to 1825)
Tags: Colonialism, Islam, Sumatra, Dutch East India Company, Religious Conflict, Warfare
Construction of Java Great Post Road Begins
Year: 1808
Category: Technology
Herman Willem Daendels the Governor-general of the Dutch East Indies (1808–1811) begin the construction of Java Great Post Road.
Tags: Infrastructure, Dutch East Indies, Colonialism, Transportation
Java War: Escalation of Fighting
Year: 1825
Category: Warfare & Military
Java War. (to 1830)
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East India Company, Resistance, Warfare, Insurgency, Military Conflict
Dutch Control of Yogyakarta and Surakarta After Diponegoro War
Year: 1830
Category: Warfare & Military
Following the Diponegoro War, the Dutch solidified their control over Yogyakarta and Surakarta with the Klaten Agreement, permanently dividing the Mataram kingdom and establishing Dutch dominance in the region.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East Indies, Mataram Sultanate, Military Occupation
Padri War: Second Phase Continues
Year: 1831
Category: Warfare & Military
Second phase of Padri War. (to 1838)
Tags: Warfare, Colonialism, Islam, Dutch East India Company
First Railway Track Laid in Indonesia
Year: 1864
Category: Technology
June: The first railway track in Indonesia was laid between Semarang and Tanggung, Central Java by the Dutch colonial government.
Tags: Railroad, Transportation, Colonialism, Dutch East Indies, Infrastructure, Economy
Batavian Museum Opens in Dutch East Indies
Year: 1868
Category: Society & Culture
The Batavian Museum (today National Museum of Indonesia) was officially opened by Dutch East Indies government.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East Indies, Art, History
Dismantling of the Cultivation System in the Dutch East Indies
Year: 1870
Category: Economy & Trade
Official dismantling of the Cultivation System and beginning of a 'Liberal Policy' of deregulated exploitation of the Netherlands East Indies.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East Indies, Exploitation, Free Trade, Agriculture, Commodities, Dutch Empire, Resource Extraction
Dutch Invasion of Aceh Begins
Year: 1873
Category: Warfare & Military
The beginning of the bloody Aceh War for Dutch occupation of the province.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch Empire, Military Conflict, Imperialism, Occupation
Kartini Born in Jepara
Year: 1879
Category: Society & Culture
April 21: Kartini was born in Jepara, today the date is commemorated as women's emancipation day in Indonesia.
Tags: Women's Rights, Social Reform, Emancipation, Gender Equality, Colonialism
Koninklijke Paketvaart-Maatschappij (KPM) Founded
Year: 1888
Category: Economy & Trade
Founding of the shipping line Koninklijke Paketvaart-Maatschappij (KPM) that supported the unification and development of the colonial economy.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East Indies, Shipping, Trade, Economic Development, Infrastructure, Maritime Transport
Dutch Destruction of Cakranegara Palace and Manuscript Discovery
Year: 1894
Category: Warfare & Military
Lombok War The Dutch looted and destroyed the Cakranegara palace of Mataram. J. L. A. Brandes, a Dutch philologist discovered and secured Nagarakretagama manuscript in Lombok royal library.
Tags: Military Conflict, Cultural Heritage, Imperialism
Van Heutz Appointed Chief of Staff in Aceh; Wilhelmina Ascends Dutch Throne
Year: 1898
Category: Warfare & Military
General van Heutz becomes chief of staff of Aceh campaign. Wilhelmina becomes queen of the Netherlands.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East Indies, Military Leadership, Monarchy, Imperialism
Indonesia Declares Independence
Year: 1945
Category: Politics
August 17: Independence of Indonesia proclaimed beginning the Indonesian National Revolution.
Tags: Independence, Decolonization, Nationalism, Revolution, World War II, Post-War, Sukarno, Dutch East Indies
Colombo Plan Established for Asia-Pacific Development
Year: 1951
Category: Economy & Trade
July 1: Colombo Plan, a regional organisation of 27 countries designed to strengthen economic and social development of member countries in the Asia-Pacific region, commences.
Tags: Economic Development, Asia-Pacific, Post-Colonialism, International Cooperation, Cold War, Regionalism
Bandung Conference: Asian-African Nations Unite
Year: 1955
Category: Politics
April 18 – 24: Bandung Conference.
Tags: Decolonization, Cold War, International Relations, Diplomacy, Post-Colonialism
Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation Begins
Year: 1963
Category: Warfare & Military
January 20: Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation begins.
Tags: Cold War, Decolonization, Proxy War, Military Conflict, Border Dispute, Political Tensions, Sukarno, British Empire
Coup Attempt and Anti-Communist Purge in Indonesia
Year: 1965
Category: Politics
September 30: 30 September Movement in the Indonesia.
Tags: Cold War, Anti-Communism, Coup, Purge, Sukarno, Human Rights, Mass Violence
Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation Officially Ends
Year: 1966
Category: Warfare & Military
August 11: The Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation ends.
Tags: Cold War, International Relations, Conflict Resolution, Nationalism, Border Disputes, Military, Malaysia
ASEAN Founding
Year: 1967
Category: Politics
August 8: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) founded.
Tags: Regionalism, International Relations, Cold War, Political Cooperation, Economic Development, Diplomacy, Post-Colonialism
Indonesian Invasion of East Timor
Year: 1975
Category: Warfare & Military
December 7: Indonesian invasion of East Timor begins.
Tags: Cold War, East Timor, Invasion, Military Intervention, Self-determination, Human Rights, Decolonization
Thailand Floats Baht, Initiating Asian Financial Crisis
Year: 1997
Category: Economy & Trade
July 2: The Bank of Thailand floats the baht, triggering the Asian financial crisis.
Tags: Financial Crisis, Globalization, Thailand, Recession, Speculation
Indonesian Riots and Suharto's Fall
Year: 1998
Category: Politics
May 4 – 15: Riots in Indonesia, including incidents of mass violence, demonstrations, and civil unrest of a racial nature, result in the Fall of Suharto and the independence of East Timor.
Tags: Political Transition, Civil Unrest, Mass Violence, Regime Change, East Timor, Human Rights, Independence
East Timor Crisis and Violence
Year: 1999
Category: Warfare & Military
April: A crisis in East Timor, which led to 1,400 deaths, begins.
Tags: East Timor, Independence Movements, Civil Unrest, Human Rights, United Nations, Post-Colonialism, Military Intervention, Atrocities
East Timor Achieves Independence
Year: 2002
Category: Politics
May 20: East Timor gains independence.
Tags: Independence, Decolonization, Self-determination, Sovereignty, United Nations, Post-Colonialism
Joko Widodo Elected President of Indonesia
Year: 2014
Category: Politics
Joko Widodo is elected President of Indonesia.
Tags: Elections, Presidency, Democracy, Political Leadership, Government
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Signed
Year: 2020
Category: Economy & Trade
November 15: The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is signed by 15 Asia-Pacific countries to form the world's largest free-trade bloc, covering a third of the world's population.
Tags: Free Trade, Economic Integration, Asia-Pacific, Globalization, Trade Agreements, Regionalism, International Relations, Economic Cooperation
