 Between the 16th and 19th centuries , the Malay Archipelago was gradually taken over by the European colonial powers , beginning with the arrival of the Portuguese at Malacca in 1509 . The early dominance of the Portuguese was challenged during the 17th century by the Dutch , who came to control most of the ports in the region . The Dutch established a monopoly over trade within the archipelago , particularly in spices , then the region 's most important product . Other colonial powers , including the British , were limited to a relatively minor presence . 
