You're now at: 10 Johannes Camphuysstraat

Johannes Camphuys (1634-1695) is remembered in Dutch literature as a charismatic and religious governor-general, responsible for the VOC's impressive economic progress under his leadership. The trained goldsmith left for the Dutch East Indies at the age of 18, where he quickly found success. As he was rapidly moving up in the VOC, he was appointed in 1671 as chief merchant for the VOC and Japan (1). In 1684, he was promoted to governor-general of the VOC (2). His period of office was not characterized by major conflicts with local leaders or other Western powers. Camphuys preferred negotiation instead of military intervention.

Growth of enslaved population

Negotiation proved fruitful. The power of the VOC grew, having a major impact on Batavia, the economic centre of the Dutch East Indies. The profits of the VOC were largely dependent on enslaved people and a mass of unfree labour was brought to Batavia to work in a variety of roles. In 1689, under the Camphuys regime, the number of enslaved people in Batavia was 26,071, with 3,501 of these being children. This formed about 60 per cent of the entire population in Batavia (3).

Linking Lombok

Another example of the activism of Lombok's citizens can be found in this street. The street features the work of sculptor Jules Enneking. In 2009, the art-community project Linken Leggen Lombok invited Enneking to create a new work on the square by Johannes Camphuysstraat. This project was the initiative of Kosmopolis Utrecht, who work with Museum Maluku, the Papua Cultural Heritage foundation, artists, neighbourhood organisations and entrepreneurs in Lombok. Enneking carved an oak trunk for Linken Leggen Lombok in which he was inspired by Camphuys' interest in overseas plants and animals (4).

Directions to: 11 Bankaplein

Continue to the Bankaplain with a slight turn to the right on Soendastraat. Walk along Soendastraat and you will reach Bankaplein.