Why was rent exemption under blandongdiensten not always beneficial for villagers?

Correct answer: Because in return, they had to provide labour for little or no wages and buffaloes for transporting timber

Under the blandongdiensten system in Java, some villagers received rent exemption, but in return they had to work for the colonial forest department and provide buffaloes to transport teak timber. Thus, the exemption was tied to compulsory labour and the use of villagers’ resources. Options B and C are incorrect because villagers did not receive ownership of teak forests or freedom to use forest timber. Exam tip: link rent exemption with the obligation to provide labour and buffaloes.