The indigenous Taiwanese, the "Formosan" at that time, suffered greatly under the VOC's colonization. They were faced with land dispossession, forced labor, and cultural suppression under Dutch colonial rule, as well as widespread murder and violence against those who didn't submit to it.

The VOC executed military campaigns to suppress indigenous resistance, forceful land seizures, and punitive expeditions that resulted in the destruction of villages and loss of life. Many indigenous people were murdered at the hands of the VOC. These actions were part of the VOC's broader strategy to control trade routes and resources, often employing brutal tactics to subjugate and exploit the local populations.

Indigenous tribes in Taiwan continue to face marginalization today, grappling with issues such as land rights disputes, cultural erosion, and economic inequality despite efforts toward greater recognition and autonomy.