In August 1931, with a capital of 5,250,000 guilders N.V. Archipel Brouwerij Compagnie (Archipelago Brewery Co.) was formed in Batavia (now known as Jakarta).

This company imported all by Beck brewery in Bremen to brew Koentji (key) beer.

[1] During World War II, the British deemed the brewery to be enemy territory due to its German ties and seized it in 1941.

The old Archipelago Brewery was re-commissioned on 24 July 2006, with internationally acclaimed brewmaster, Fal Allen.

[2] The re-launch of Archipelago is consistent with Heineken Asia Pacific's objectives to add a new dimension to Singapore's beer industry; and to continue to grow its presence and stature locally.