Dominique Jacques de Eerens


Dominique Jacques de Eerens was a Dutch major general, politician and administrator, governor-general of the Dutch East Indies and knight of the Military William Order.
Military officer, minister and colonial administrator during the time of William I. He joined the army at a young age and served under Schimmelpenninck, Louis Napoleon and Emperor Napoleon. He was taken prisoner in Russia as a member of the imperial staff and was wounded at Danzig. He fought as a major general in the Battle of Waterloo. He then held high-ranking positions in the army and became Director-General of War. As Lieutenant Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, he fought against piracy and extended his authority to Sumatra. He was the only Catholic Governor-General. He died in Indonesia.
Pro-regering during the time of William I
Positions during 1830–1840: Minister, Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies
Main Functions/Professions
  • Provincial commander of North Brabant, around 1822
  • Inspector-General, sixth major military command of infantry, from 20 December 1826
  • Commander, third infantry division, from 7 July 1829 to 25 December 1839
  • Director-General of War, from 1 January 1830 to 1 October 1834
  • Lieutenant Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, from 5 March 1835 to 29 February 1836
  • Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, from 29 February 1836 to 30 May 1840
Officer ranks
From private life
  • Mother died shortly after his birth
  • Father was a doctor in Alkmaar, later a pastor in Vlodrop and Posterholt, and later in Holland. His father became a pastor after his wife’s death.
  • Children were Protestants
Publications about
  • S.A. Buddingh, The Editing of the Journal of Neerland's Studie in Memory of His Excellency the Lieutenant General D.J. de Eerens, Governor General of Neerland's Indies, Batavia, 1840
  • M.A. van Rhede van der Kloot, Governors-General and General Commissioners of the Dutch East Indies, 1610–1888, 166
  • New Dutch Biographical Dictionary, Volume I, 793