On April 24, 1778, a group of Dutch intellectuals established a scientific institution under the name "Bataviaasch Genootschap van Kunsten en Wetenschappen", (Royal Batavian Society of Arts and Sciences). This private body had the aim of promoting research in the field of arts and sciences, especially in history, archaeology, ethnography and physics, and publish the various findings. The main objective of "Bataviaasch Genootschap" is to analyze the cultural and scientific aspects of the East Indies, including its society and natural environment, through facilitating research conducted by experts.