Ageng developed a substantial fleet modeled in part on European designs and maintained long-distance trade routes within the Indonesian archipelago and beyond. With the assistance or presence of
English,
Danish, and
Chinese intermediaries, Bantenese shipping traded with
Persia,
India,
Ayutthaya (Siam),
Vietnam,
China, the
Philippines and
Japan. In 1661, Banten extended authority to
Landak in western
Borneo; Landak became a dependency after Banten's intervention in regional conflicts. During the 1670s, Banten leveraged turmoil in the
Mataram court to assert predominance over
Cirebon, reshaping power on Java's north coast. Banten also engaged the Spanish in
Manila to obtain silver and invested in irrigation and canals supporting
coconut palm and
sugar cultivation around Tirtayasa.
Conflict with the Dutch Ageng opposed the
Dutch East India Company (VOC) and clashed with its headquarters at
Batavia, about 75 km to the east. After the breakdown of earlier agreements, hostilities in 1656–1659 included a VOC blockade of Banten and Bantenese raids against Batavian interests, ending in a negotiated settlement. Court politics later polarized between Ageng and his son and co-sovereign
Haji of Banten (Abu Nasr), who favored accommodation with the VOC.
Internal conflict Anticipating a coup, Ageng withdrew from the capital before 1671. He supported
Trunajaya's revolt against
Amangkurat II of Mataram and used the ensuing instability to gain control in
Cirebon and the
Priangan highlands, effectively surrounding Batavia with Bantenese positions.
Defeat Open war with the VOC began in 1680. In May of that year
Haji confined Ageng in a palace coup. After fluctuating fortunes, Ageng’s faction was routed when VOC forces intervened for Haji; Ageng surrendered in March 1683. He was detained in Banten, then transferred to Batavia, where he died in 1692. == Letters to Danish–Norwegian kings ==