What was the purpose of Dutch control over Java’s forests?

Correct answer: To control teak timber

Correct answer: C. The Dutch sought control over Java’s forests largely to secure valuable teak timber. Teak was a commercially useful and durable wood, and it was important for shipbuilding and other colonial requirements. Control allowed the colonial authorities to regulate cutting, claim the resource, organise forest work and restrict local use where it conflicted with timber production. C is correct because it identifies the central resource and the purpose of control. A is wrong because folk songs were not the purpose of colonial forest administration. B is wrong because controlling forests was not intended to stop sea travel; teak was connected with maritime and commercial needs. D is wrong because cotton whitening had no connection with Dutch control of Java’s teak forests. Memory cue: Dutch Java forests = control teak.