บทบาทของเซอร์ โทมัส แสตมฟอร์ด แรฟเฟิลส์ ในการปกครองชวาระหว่าง ค.ศ. 1811-1816 / ปณิธี เหล็กกล้า = The role of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles in governing Java, 1811-1816 / Panitee Lekkla
This thesis aims to study factors and historical contexts of Britain's rule in Java. It also studies the role and policies of Thomas Stamford Raffles on Java, together with the views and reactions of the Javanese to Raffles' administration. British rule over Java was a consequence of the Seven Years War and the Napoleonic Wars, which affected the Malay Peninsula and the East Indian Archipelago, and also the trading interests of the British in Bengal and China. Raffles played a key role in urging the governments in London and Bengal to annexe Java. Raffles' policies in Java were aimed at introducing changes into Javanese society, ameliorating the living conditions of Javanese who had suffered from oppression by the Dutch officials and the Javanese elite. Improved living conditions would lead to increased productivity and trade, thus benefiting British interests. The role of the native elite was lessened, and direct rule instituted. Forced labour was abolished, and a land rent system introduced. Any resistance from the Javanese elite was countered by the use of force or a compromise based on mutual interests. The ordinary people had their grievances too, but there was no open resistance. The British on their part did not gain as much as they had hoped to do. When the Dutch returned to govern Java, they retained some of Raffles' policies, with some adaptations and changes. Raffles' policies may be said to have been the beginning of an increased awareness of the natives' living conditions, and the effects of his rule were to result in important changes in Java.
