Navigating Transformation: The 1729 Batavia Expedition, Maritime Ethos, and the Question of a “Dawn of Civilization” on Rote Island
The study seeks to unravel the complex web of motivations behind this undertaking. Rotenese oral traditions suggest that the expedition was fundamentally a quest for peace, knowledge, and spiritual fulfillment, emerging as a response to a period characterized by social stagnation and deep-seated unrest. Furthermore, the inquiry traces the expedition's critical role as a catalyst for Christianization and the introduction of formal Western education on the island, while simultaneously offering a critical re-examination of the colonial narrative regarding the “Dawn of Civilization.”
Of particular interest is the nexus between this mission and Rote’s maritime heritage, specifically highlighting the historical interplay with Makassarese seafarers involved in the regional trepang trade. By synthesizing historical analyses of secondary sources—grounded in primary VOC archives and documented oral histories—and applying a critical lens to colonial accounts, this research illuminates the distinct nature of socio-cultural transformation in Rote.
Key findings underscore a dynamic interplay between local agency—embodied in Foeh Mbura’s initiative—and external forces, namely Dutch colonial power and regional Makassarese maritime networks. It reveals how local traditions demonstrated resilience and adapted to navigate these shifts. Ultimately, this study contributes to a richer, more nuanced understanding of regional maritime history, cross-cultural encounters, and the dynamics of socio-religious change in Eastern Indonesia during the 18th century. DOWNLOAD
