Royal Batavian Society of Arts and Sciences  The Royal Batavian Society of Arts and Sciences (, 1778-1962) was a Dutch learned society in Batavia (now Jakarta, Indonesia). The society was founded in 1778 by naturalist Jacob Cornelis Matthieu Radermacher as the "Bataviaasch Genootschap der Kunsten en Wetenschappen" (Batavian Society of Arts and Sciences), and assumed its current name in 1910. After Indonesian independence in 1949, it was renamed the "Lembaga Kebudajaan Indonesia" in 1950, and in 1962 ceased operation. Its collection is now in the Museum Nasional. In early 18th century, an intellectual movement popularly known as the Age of Enlightenment swept across Europe. This movement lean towards scientific approach in quests for knowledge and answers of natural phenomena. In the Netherlands, this group of ideology had encouraged the establishment of an association called "Hollandsche Maatschappij der Wetenschappen" (HMW) in Haarlem in 1752. This association apparently brought a new way of thinking to the officials of Dutch colonies. By that time, parts of the Indonesian archipelago was held under the Dutch East India Company (VOC), which obviously mainly interested on the economic pursuit. However, there was a young figure among VOC official — J.C.M Radermacher — who was interested in arts and sciences endeavour in the Indies. Radermacher suggested the establishment of an association in Batavia similar to those in Haarlem. Initially this suggestion was not received well, until 1777 when during the commemoration of 25 years of HMW there was an intention to open the branch in the colony. Radermacher's wish was realized, and the association was not only as a branch, but as an independent scientific association established in Batavia. 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. Governor General and high official of VOC were designated as members of board of directors and society key figures were to become members of the association. The motto of "Bataviaasch Genootschap" (BG) was "Ten Nutte van Het Gemeen" (For Public's Best Interest). The main objective of BG is to analyze the cultural and scientific aspects of the East Indies, including its society and natural environment, through facilitating research conducted by experts.