He was initially assigned in civilian positions in Eastern Indonesia, the latest of which was the VOC Governor of Ambon.
After a protracted march slowed by logistical challenges, VOC and its ally Mataram overran Trunajaya and took his stronghold and court at Kediri, 25 November 1678.
After the campaign he served in Batavia, becoming Director-General of the VOC in the Indies from 1684 to 1687, when he was expelled due to a dispute with Governor-General Joannes Camphuys.
He—now titled "Superintendent, Admiral, Campaign- and War-Commander"—then led the campaign to take Kediri, Trunajaya's capital and stronghold in inland Java.
VOC's account of the journey was recorded by Hurdt's secretary Johan Jurgen Briel, and this journal later became an important historical source.