What was the biggest loss of local rights in Javas forest transformations?

Correct answer: Traditional freedom to collect timber, fodder and other forest resources was restricted

Dutch colonial rule brought Java’s forests under state control and restricted customary practices such as cutting timber, grazing cattle, and collecting forest produce. Hence, the major loss was the restriction of traditional access to forest resources. Loss of maritime trade control may relate to colonial rule, but it was not the central loss of forest rights. Exam tip: write “restriction on customary access to forest resources.”