Dutch intervention in northern Bali (1848)

The Dutch intervention in Northern Bali in 1848 was the second in a long series of six Dutch military interventions on Bali island, until total control was achieved with the Dutch intervention in Bali in 1908. The Dutch used as a pretext Balinese salvage claims over shipwrecks, which were customary to the Balinese, but unacceptable under International law.^[1]

Balinese soldiers in the 1880s.

The expedition arrived in 2,400 men, a third of which was composed of Europeans, the rest being Javanese and Madurese soldiers, as well as one company of Africans, probably from the Dutch colony in Ghana.^[2] The force landed in Bali on 7 May 1848 in the area of Sangsit.^[2]

Dutch artillery moving towards Jagaraga.

The Balinese numbered 16,000, including about 1,500 equipped with firearms under Jelantik.^[2] After the Dutch landing, the Balinese withdrew to their fortified position in Jagaraga about 4 kilometers away.^[2]

Battle of Jagaraga

The Dutch attacked the Balinese in Jagaraga despite the intense tropical heat. The Balinese counter-attacked and routed the Dutch, who left 200 dead and had to reimbark on their ships.^[2]

After this humiliating defeat, the Dutch would return, this time successfully, with the Dutch intervention in Bali (1849).^[2]