Redefining Dutch-Chinese Commercial Relations (1890s-1910)

Abstract

In 1892 an official inquiry was ordered into the economic position of ‘Foreign Orientals’ in Java and Madura. The final report conceded their economic indispensability, but also demonstrated their ‘harmful’ presence. Increasingly, all kinds of economic and social wrongdoings were attributed to the Chinese presence in Java’s interior. To diminish Chinese economic dominance the revenue farm system was gradually abolished. In its wake the enforcement of the so-called passen- en wijkenstelsel – designed to control the whereabouts of the Chinese population – became vigorously debated. The Chinese response to these deteriorating circumstances was influenced by renewed contact with China towards