For whom were the teak forests of Java useful?

Correct answer: For Dutch shipbuilding

The direct answer is C: teak forests were useful for Dutch shipbuilding. Teak is a strong and durable timber. Because ships require wood that can withstand heavy use and water, teak was valuable to the Dutch colonial power for building and repairing ships. This commercial value encouraged tighter control over Java’s forests. Option A is wrong because children’s games were not the important colonial purpose of teak forests. Option B is wrong because sea birds were not the reason for organised teak management. Option C is correct because it identifies the major strategic and economic use of teak. Option D is wrong because teak forests were not maintained only for cotton cultivation; cotton is a different crop and does not explain the value of teak timber. Memory cue: strong teak wood goes with ships and colonial naval power.