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THE MERCHANT FLEET OF JAVA 1820-1850 A Preliminary Survey

by FJ.A. BROEZE

The historiography of the Javanese economy during the half century or so after Britain in 1816 returned the Dutch East Indies to the Netherlands has — perhaps not unnaturally — until now primarily revolved around two closely related problems : the British-Dutch trade rivalry (with occasionally the Americans thrown in to spice the debate) and the development of the Culture System in all its aspects (x). While there can be not doubt about the significance of these factors for the economic and social "progress" of Java, this concentration has caused historians to neglect several other aspects of her economic life. One such sector about which little is known, and yet was of invaluable importance, was the merchant fleet registered in Javanese ports.

One of the most challenging and vital tasks the Commissioners General faced was the regulation of both external and internal trade and shipping. Whilst political conditions in Europe and the financial imbroglio of the government in the East dictated that foreign shipping should not be excluded from Java, the Commissioners were firmly intent on maintaining Batavia's position as the entrepôt of the archipelago. Therefore, when in 1818 the 'Règlement op het heffen der inkomende en uitgaande