MARITIME MUSEUM PHASE I (Flor de La Mar)
THE DUTCH ASSAULT AGAINTS THE PORTUGUESE
The Dutch failed to oust the Portuguese from Melaka in 1602. In 1606 Matelief sealed an agreement with Johor to expel the Portuguese from Melaka. Several attempts were launched to conquer Melaka in 1633. The Dutch blockaded Melaka, denying food and arm supplies from Goa. This had weakened the Portuguese defence and trade in Melaka. in 1637 Van Diemen sealed an agreement with Johor whereby the sultanate agreed to assist the former in attacking Melaka. The Dutch and Johor mounted attacks from the sea and land.
The outskirts of Melaka were defeated and the Portuguese sought refuge within the A Farmosa. The Portuguese defence had weakened owing to the lack of supplies, medicine and epidermic. The Dutch and Johor launched the final onslaught 40 ships and 1500 soldiers. The Portuguese, plagued by internal and external problems were defeated.
MALACCA UNDER THE DUTCH
Malacca was once again colonized following the Dutch conquest in 1641. A Governor headed the Dutch Administration in Malacca. He was subjected to the authority of the Governor General in Batavia. A police Force named the Burgher Guards was formed. This force was responsible to the Council of Justice, which consisted of the Dutch residing in Malacca. Beside the Council of Justice, the Chief Treasurer, Mayor, Superitendant of Trade, Collector of States Revenue and others also assisted the Governor. Matters involving trade, shipping, taxation, population cencus, maintainance of equipment and public works were also carried out.
The Stadthuys building as the administrative centre and the Christ Church as the forces of religious activities were also built. Religions discriminatory policies practiced against the Catholics were abandoned during the early 18th century. The Judiciary system was also enforced. For the European settlers, laws based on the Colonial Statues were promulgated, while the natives practiced their own laws under the Tribal Kapitan.
DUTCH TRADE IN MALACCA
The Dutch rule over Malacca was to ensure that their monopoly of trade in the Malay Archipelago was free from competitors especially the Portuguses. The Dutch intended to transform Batavia as the Dutch headquarters. In the east and the spice trading centre in South East Asia, consequently diminishing Malacca’s role. The Dutch imposed heavy taxes on shipping at Malacca harbour and diverted them to Straits of Sunda towards Batavia. This policy led the merchants from Arabia, China, Gujerat and India to trade elsewhere such as in Aceh, Pattani and Johor.
The Dutch negotiated a one sided agreement to monopolize the tin trade and other products from Perak, Naning, Rembau and Kedah. The policies reactions from the natives. The Dutch also envied the development of Johor Riau as the centers triggered of Malay trade and civilization. When Raja Haji launched an attack on Malacca, the Dutch reacted by assaulting Johor. The Dutch East India Company achieved its zenith by the late 17th century, subsequently became bankrupt in 1799 with debts amounting to 140 million florin. Malacca’s account registered deficit repeatedly with the amount of nearly 100,000 florin.
DUTCH ATTACK ON MALACCA
When Spanish - Portuguese alliance blocked Dutch Vessels from entering Lisbon, the Dutch went on to seek direct commercial contacts for spices. After gathering enough information about the sea routes to South East Asia, they finally reached Java in 1602 and established direct commercial contacts. The colony but also as trade rival, soon developed into warfare. The Dutch, reaslising that Malacca still had its magic as commercial centre, wanted to take over Malacca and minimised to presence of the Portuguse.So the Dutch under Admiral cornelis Matelief attacked the Portuguese Malacca as early as 1606.
Their first attack did not follow the usual pattern either through St. John Hill or the nothern Malacca, they commenced their attact through Air Leleh river (dried up during early 18th century) about ½ km from Santiago gateway. Although the Dutch attacked caused considerable damage to the Portuguese in Malacca. They managed to repulse the Dutch first attempt.
MALACCA IN 1726
This scenario of Malacca harbour with few ships and practically no other foreign vessels indicate the decline of Malacca as a trading port. That decline was mainly due to harsh Dutch commercial policy against other merchants and their willingness to demote Malacca and promote Batavia as their main station. The Dutch policy accelerated the decline of Malacca as commercial centre.
THE DUTCH ERA IRON CHEST
Long and time consuming voyages in search of the New World in the East lead the traders to stock up on equipment and supplies. These consisted of food, clothes and armaments. The iron chest displayed belonged to the Dutch era. It features the hardiness of the material used and the cratfmanship in production, thus making it last a longtime.
DUTCH INFLUENCE ON MELAKA COMMUNITY
In general the Malays regarded the Dutch as protector, oppressor, friend and enemy. Strict monopoly policy, stiff and varied taxes with their greed in obtaining profits agilated the natives. Religious discriminatory policies weren’t merely practiced towards the Catholics but also toward the Muslim. Sanctions and obstacles were created. In short, the Malays potrayed the Dutch with negative images. Malay proverbs in saying “Seperti Belanda Mendapat Tanah” and “Paku Belanda”, clearing demonstrated these sentiments. The Dutch trading arrangements were one sided and restrictive, including those signed with Kedah, Perak, Selangor, Johor and Naning caused retaliations.the Dutch administration was instrumental towards the decline of the Melaka population social economic status. Nonetheless, the Dutch technology and weapons for example swords, rifles, pistols, cannons, fort construction and maintenance were benefited by the natives. The keroncong music gained popularity.
The plan and architectural design in the Melaka town reflect European influences, for example the Stadthuys, Christ Church and the Dutch Fort at Bukit Senjuang
