Question

Write short notes on the following:
(i) Scientific forestry
(ii) The Kalangs of Java
(iii) Dutch scientific forestry

Answer 1

(i) Scientific forestry: In scientific forestry natural forests which has of different types of trees were cut down. In their place, one type of tree was planted in straight rows. This is called a plantation. Forest officials surveyed the forests, estimated the area under different types of trees and made working plans for forest management. They planned how much of the plantation area to be cut every year. The area cut was then to be replanted so that it was ready to be cut again in some years.

(ii) The Kalangs of Java: The Kalangs of Java were a community of skilled forest cutters and shifting cultivators. They were so valuable that in $1755$ when the Mataram kindgom of Java split, the $6000$ Kalang families were equally divided between the two kingdoms. Without their expertise, it would have been difficult to harvest teak and for the kings to build their palaces. When the Dutch began to gain control over the forests in the $18th$ century they tried to make the Kalangs work under them. In $1770$, the Kalangs resisted by attacking a Dutch fort at Joana, but the uprising was successfully suppressed.

(iii) Dutch scientific forestry: In the $19th$ century the Dutch enacted forest laws in Java to control the people and the territory. These forest laws restricted villagers' access to forests. Now wood could only be cut for specified purposed like making river boats or constructing houses, and only from specific forests under close supervision. Villagers were punished for grazing cattle in young stands, transporting wood without a permit or travelling on forest roads with horse carts or cattle.