Rozengain

The Bandanese island of Rozengain was in VOC possession from 1621.Around 1627 it was decided to concentrate the cultivation of Nutmeg on the islands of Banda Lontar, Ai and Bandaneira. Around 1634 the nutmeg trees on Rozengian were cut and the inhabitants were forced to move to one of the other Banda Islands. Until well into the 19th century, the island was used as a destination for convicted criminals, who were deported to the islands and forced to work in chain gangs in the djati forests as lumberjacks, or in the lime kilns or brickyards. For good reason Rozengain was also called ‘Bandit Island.’