Portuguese Empire in the Indonesian Archipelago

c. 1522–1605
Flag of
Flag
Coat of Arms of
Coat of Arms
Map of the Portuguese empire in the East Indies (including the Indonesian Archipelago), Atlas Miller.
Map of the Portuguese empire in the East Indies (including the Indonesian Archipelago), Atlas Miller.
StatusSettlement and possessions of the Portuguese Empire
Capital
Common languagesPortuguese, Malay, Ternate, Tidore, Other indigenous language.
GovernmentMonarchy
Monarch 
• 1522–1557
John III
• 1598–1605
Philip III
Captain-General 
• 1522–1525 (first)
Antonio de Brito
• 1602–1605 (last)
Pedro Alvares de Abreu
Historical eraEarly modern
• Established
c. 1522
22 April 1529
22 February 1605
Succeeded by
Dutch East India Company
Portuguese colonization era
1512–1605
Map from 1519 showing the islands of North Maluku, with the Portuguese banner planted.
LocationMalay Archipelago, East Indies
IncludingPortuguese–Ternate wars
Leader(s)Alfonso de Albuquerque
António de Abreu
Francisco Serrão
Key eventsAge of Discovery
Chronology
Era of Islam Dutch East India Company
Portuguese Timor class-skin-invert-image

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a colonial presence in the Indonesian Archipelago. Their quest to dominate the source of the spices that sustained the lucrative spice trade in the early 16th century, along with missionary efforts by Catholic orders, saw the establishment of trading posts and forts, and left behind a Portuguese cultural element that remains in modern-day Indonesia.
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