The prowess of Dutch modernity- economic aspects

The Westerners transformed the traditionally small and self-sufficient economy of SEA to an export-oriented one that was connected closely to the World economy and relied heavily on capital. The Dutch was one of the most successful colonial powers in developing its own economy as well as the economy of Dutch East Indies.
They made well use of natural resources.
The Dutch’s control brought a profitable economy to SEA.
Many large open areas of Java actually became plantations cultivated by the natives, collected by the Chinese and sold overseas.

Before World War II, the Indies were estimated to have supplied
90% of the world’s production of quinine
86% of the world’s pepper
75% of its kapok, 37% of its rubber
28% of its coconut-palm products
19% of its tea
17% of its tin as well as cigars, coffee, oil and most of the world’s cigar wrappers. Holland’s investment was about U.S $1,422 million in 1940, earning an annual $103 million in interest.
The Dutch commercialized the Dutch East Indies.

They made use of the wealth of agriculture and resources effectively.

In most parts of Southeast Asia, Chinese entrepreneurs and middlemen were appreciated by the Westerners and played an important part in connecting the local economy with the World economy as they were hard-working and persevere.

The Dutch East Indies was a place for consumption of products from industrial Europe.