ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the process of warfare in the nineteenth century Archipelago, on the conduct of war, and on tactics and technology in the long history of Dutch–Indonesian conflict. Both the Dutch and the Bonese were expanding their power and influence throughout the nineteenth century. As to the conduct of war, the Colonial Army was dependent upon naval support and reinforcements from the peace garrisons of Java. The Java War had interrupted the Dutch campaigns already going on in Minangkabau from 1821. In Java, General de Kock developed a tactical approach that was adapted to Javanese ways of warfare. The military offensive of mid-nineteenth century had come to a complete standstill in the 1860s. Despite several successful campaigns, the conquest of the Buitengewesten had failed. In 1873 and 1874 various expeditions were organised to the northern tip of Sumatra to force the recognition of Dutch sovereignty from the Acehnese.
