How did the Dutch Cultivation System affect Javanese farmers?

The Dutch Cultivation System significantly impacted Javanese farmers by imposing forced labour and crop cultivation.

The Dutch Cultivation System, introduced in 1830, was a policy implemented by the Dutch colonial government in Java, Indonesia. It was designed to generate revenue for the Dutch East India Company and the Dutch government. The system had a profound effect on Javanese farmers, primarily through the imposition of forced labour and the mandatory cultivation of export crops.

Under this system, Javanese farmers were required to dedicate a portion of their land, usually one-fifth, to the cultivation of export crops such as sugar, coffee, indigo, and tea. These crops were then sold on the international market, with the profits going to the Dutch. This policy was a significant departure from traditional farming practices in Java, where farmers primarily cultivated rice for subsistence. The shift to export crops often resulted in food shortages and famine, as farmers were unable to grow enough food to sustain their families.

In addition to the mandatory cultivation of export crops, the Dutch Cultivation System also imposed forced labour on Javanese farmers. Each farmer was required to work 60 days a year for the Dutch, either on the export crop fields or on other public works projects. This forced labour system was often abused, with many farmers working far more than the mandated 60 days. The combination of forced labour and mandatory crop cultivation left many Javanese farmers impoverished and in debt.

The Dutch Cultivation System also had a significant impact on the social structure of Javanese society. The system favoured the Dutch and the local elites, who profited from the sale of export crops. Meanwhile, the majority of Javanese farmers, who were at the bottom of the social hierarchy, bore the brunt of the system's negative effects. This created a deep social divide and led to widespread resentment towards the Dutch.

In conclusion, the Dutch Cultivation System had a profound and largely negative impact on Javanese farmers. It disrupted traditional farming practices, imposed forced labour, led to food shortages and famine, and exacerbated social inequalities.