Why was it difficult for the Dutch to use Java's teak forests without the Kalangs?

Correct answer: Because Kalangs were skilled in forest cutting and transport

The direct answer is A: the Kalangs were skilled in forest cutting and transport. Java’s teak forests were valuable, but trees could not be commercially used merely by claiming ownership on paper. Workers had to identify suitable trees, cut them, move heavy timber, and organize forest labour. The Kalangs possessed important knowledge and practical skill for these tasks. Therefore, without them, Dutch use of the teak forests became difficult. Option A is correct because it identifies the actual labour and expertise needed. Option B is wrong because the Kalangs were not European kings. Option C is wrong because living on the sea has no connection with the difficult work of cutting and transporting teak. Option D is wrong because the Kalangs did not fear teak; their skill made them valuable to the colonial authorities. The reasoning chain is: teak forests had commercial value; commercial use required cutting and transport; Kalang expertise supported those activities; without their cooperation or control, exploitation was harder. Exam cue: when a question asks why colonial powers controlled a community, look for that community’s labour, knowledge, or economic importance.