08.11
After the Java War, a Dutch vision developed of the East Indies as a subdued province. Johannes van den Bosch, the governor general who launched the cultivation system in 1830, envisaged that instead of paying rent, the indigenous population would henceforth devote a fifth of their land to export crops. This produce – indigo, sugar and coffee – was sold in Europe by the Netherlands Trading Company (Nederlandsche Handel-Maatschappij or NHM), which made a vast profit.
The Dutch government received considerable revenue from the East Indies: in some years, as much as a quarter of the nation’s income came from the colony. Local rulers also benefited from the cultivation system. They received bonuses if their farmers increased production. For the ordinary Javanese, the cultivation system was an additional financial burden, moreover it led to corruption and exploitation. Despite protests against its harmful effects, the system remained in place until 1870.
Four Javanese court functionaries. Java, c. 1810-1870
Four Javanese court functionaries. Java, c. 1810-1870
Four Javanese court functionaries. Java, c. 1810-1870
Four Javanese court functionaries. Java, c. 1810-1870
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar