Royal Batavian Society of Arts and Sciences

[1]: 12 On 24 April 1778, an association was established in Batavia named Bataviaasch Genootschap der Kunsten en Wetenschappen (Batavian Society of Arts and Sciences), often abbreviated as BG.

[1]: 12  The main objective of BG was to analyze the cultural and scientific aspects of the East Indies, including its society and natural environment, through facilitating research conducted by experts.

Radermacher who contributed his house at De Groote Rivier Street along with his collection of books, manuscripts, musical instruments, currency, flora samples of dried plants, etc.

At that time, collecting and donating curious rare, and unique objects is regarded as a commendable endeavour, intellectually fashionable, and prestigious activity among the social elites in Batavia.

Baron van der Capellen issued a decree to form a commission to search for important objects in Java and sent them to the Batavian Society.

[1]: 14 The surge in collection was not always beneficial to the Batavian Society of Arts and Sciences since it meant an increase in maintenance costs and storage space.

[1]: 14 In 1855, a law regarding Treasure Discovery was enacted; stipulating that all archaeological findings in the Indies had to be reported to the government, and the Batavian Society museum might buy it at the price according to an appropriate appraisal.

With the patronage of King Willem III, the colonial government built a new building on the present location of the National Museum at Jalan Merdeka Barat 12.

Treasures, among others from Aceh, Lombok, and Bali acquired through the military expeditions led by the Dutch colonial government, also made it to the collection of the Batavian Society and Leiden Museum.