Cultivation System

Definition

The Cultivation System was a system of forced agricultural labor introduced by the Dutch colonial government in the 19th century in Java and Sumatra. Under this system, Indonesian farmers were required to dedicate a portion of their land and labor to grow cash crops, such as sugar and coffee, for export to Europe. This method significantly impacted both the local economy and the social structures within the colonies, creating wealth for the Dutch at the expense of Indonesian farmers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Cultivation System was implemented in the 1830s as a response to economic pressures and was designed to boost the Dutch economy by generating profit from Indonesian resources.
2. Farmers were required to allocate up to 20% of their land for cash crops while still maintaining subsistence farming on the rest, which often led to food shortages.
3. This system contributed to significant social changes in Indonesian society, as traditional practices were disrupted and local economies became increasingly dependent on global market demands.
4. The Cultivation System faced criticism for its exploitative nature and led to widespread suffering among farmers due to heavy taxation and harsh working conditions.
5. By the end of the 19th century, the system began to be phased out due to international pressure and changing economic conditions, although its effects lingered long after.

Review Questions

• How did the Cultivation System change agricultural practices in Java and Sumatra?
  • The Cultivation System transformed agricultural practices in Java and Sumatra by prioritizing cash crops over subsistence farming. Farmers were compelled to allocate a significant portion of their land for the production of crops like sugar and coffee, which were intended for export. This shift disrupted traditional farming practices, led to food shortages for local populations, and ultimately changed the economic landscape of these regions as they became more integrated into global markets.
• Evaluate the social consequences of the Cultivation System on Indonesian farmers during its implementation.
  • The social consequences of the Cultivation System were severe for Indonesian farmers. Many faced financial strain as they struggled to meet the demands of cash crop production while still trying to sustain their families with subsistence farming. The system's exploitative nature led to discontent among the population, as they dealt with high taxes and harsh working conditions. This upheaval contributed to social unrest and resentment towards Dutch colonial rule, ultimately reshaping community dynamics.
• Discuss the long-term implications of the Cultivation System on Indonesia's economic development post-colonialism.
  • The long-term implications of the Cultivation System on Indonesia's economic development were profound. By fostering a reliance on cash crops for export, it created an economy that was vulnerable to global market fluctuations. After gaining independence, Indonesia had to grapple with this legacy of exploitation, including land tenure issues and a disrupted agricultural sector. The historical reliance on cash crops also influenced Indonesia's post-colonial economic policies, as efforts were made to diversify agriculture and reduce dependency on single-crop systems.

Related terms

Forced Labor:

A practice where individuals are compelled to work against their will, often under threat of punishment or coercion.

Cash Crops: Crops produced primarily for sale and export rather than for personal consumption, often prioritized over subsistence farming.

Dutch East India Company:

A trading company established in the early 17th century that played a crucial role in Dutch trade and colonial expansion in Asia.