Jan Pieterszoon Coen

Jan Pieterszoon Coen was a Dutch merchant and colonial governor in the early 17th century, best known for his role in establishing the Dutch East India Company (VOC). He played a pivotal part in expanding Dutch trade in Asia, particularly in Indonesia, where he founded the city of Batavia (modern-day Jakarta) in 1619. Coen's policies focused on controlling spice trade and establishing Dutch dominance in the region, often resorting to violent means. While he significantly contributed to the Dutch Golden Age, his actions also reflected the complexities and harsh realities of colonial expansion.