Jan Pieterszoon Coen (Governor-General)

Jan Pieterszoon Coen was a Dutch colonial administrator who served as Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) in the early 17th century. He played a key role in establishing and expanding Dutch trading outposts and influence in Southeast Asia, particularly in controlling the strategic spice trade through the city of Batavia (modern Jakarta). Coen’s leadership helped the Dutch secure economic dominance in the region but also involved aggressive military actions and controversial policies that impacted local populations. His actions significantly shaped the early history of Dutch colonialism in Asia.