Dutch Intervention in Bali (1848) Jagaraga War
Date May 7, 1848-1850 Location Bali, Indonesia Result Decisive Dutch victory • The Dutch took control of North Bali.
Belligerents
Dutch East Indies Lombok	Bali Kingdom Kingdom of Buleleng Kingdom Klungkung Kingdom of Karangasem
Commanders and leaders
Andreas Victor Michiels	I Gusti Ketut Jelantik   †
Strength
2,400 soldiers	14,500 soldiers 1,500 riflemen
Casualties and losses
200 killed	1,000s

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]

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]

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]

Notes