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Two maps of the Dutch East Indies: one of the whole region, and one of Java alone. Both are divided into administrative regions—e.g. Java is divided into regencies—with coloured borders.

Two maps of the Dutch East Indies: one of the whole region, and one of Java alone. Both are divided into administrative regions—e.g. Java is divided into regencies—with coloured borders.

Map of the East Indies in the mid-19th century, with the borders of Dutch colonial territory (Dutch East Indies) marked in brown.

Map of the East Indies in the mid-19th century, with the borders of Dutch colonial territory (Dutch East Indies) marked in brown.

The Dutch East Indies are bordered in red on this mid-19th century map. A maritime postal route from China to Europe, via Singapore and Penang, is shown. Another maritime route, from Batavia to Singapore, is also marked.

Some regions on this map of Southeast have a descriptive label: New Guinea is described as unknown to Europeans; Borneo was abandoned by Europeans due to the ‘unmanageability’ of the inhabitants; the Philippines were discovered by Spain in 1565.

Some regions on this map of Southeast have a descriptive label: New Guinea is described as unknown to Europeans; Borneo was abandoned by Europeans due to the ‘unmanageability’ of the inhabitants; the Philippines were discovered by Spain in 1565.

Map of Asia featuring an early—and very vague—depiction of New Britain (‘Nieuw Brittanje’) which was named by the British explorer William Dampier when he visited in 1700. The ‘Straat van Dampier’ is also shown, dividing New Britain from New Guinea.

Map of Asia featuring an early—and very vague—depiction of New Britain (‘Nieuw Brittanje’) which was named by the British explorer William Dampier when he visited in 1700. The ‘Straat van Dampier’ is also shown, dividing New Britain from New Guinea.

Some regions on this map of Southeast have a descriptive label: Sumatra is described as having mines of gold, silver, iron, and sulphur; and elephants, tigers, rhinoceroses, dragons and crocodiles. Gilolo has rice, sago and turtles. Ambon has nutmeg.

Some regions on this map of Southeast have a descriptive label: Sumatra is described as having mines of gold, silver, iron, and sulphur; and elephants, tigers, rhinoceroses, dragons and crocodiles. Gilolo has rice, sago and turtles. Ambon has nutmeg.

This map of the Eastern Hemisphere was designed to show maritime routes from the Netherlands to Southeast Asia. It shows New Guinea (‘Nieuw Guinee’) and Australia (‘Nieuw Hollande’) as one landmass, connected via an area labelled ‘Karpentarie’.