Chinese Indentured Labour in the Dutch East Indies, 1880-1942: Tin, Tobacco, Timber, and the Penal Sanction

This book explores the unique history of Chinese indentured labor in the Dutch East Indies, focusing on its later years after 1917. It sheds light on how Chinese indenture differed from other forms of bonded labor in Southeast Asia and globally, and how it was reflected in its lexicon. The author uses fieldwork and archival materials to present cutting-edge research that contributes to a revised understanding of indenture in this period.

Format: Hardback
Length: 611 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the Chinese labor system in the Dutch East Indies, particularly during its later years after 1917. The author delves into the unique characteristics of Chinese indenture, distinguishing it from other forms of bonded labor in Southeast Asia and globally. This distinction is evident in the language used, which had its own distinct Chinese strain. Through extensive fieldwork and archival research in Dutch, Chinese, and other languages, the author presents groundbreaking findings that aim to revise our historical understanding of indenture.

The book begins by tracing the origins of Chinese indenture in the Dutch East Indies, highlighting its early development and evolution. It explores how Chinese indenture differed from its Indian and Javanese counterparts, both in terms of its initial purpose and the conditions under which it operated. The author analyzes the lexicon used in Chinese indenture, which was tailored to the specific needs of the Chinese laborers.

Using fieldwork findings from the tin islands of Bangka and Belitung and the Deli plantations on Sumatra, the book provides a detailed account of the experiences of Chinese indentured laborers. It sheds light on their working conditions, living arrangements, and social interactions within the colonial society. The author also examines the impact of Chinese indenture on the local communities and the broader Dutch East Indies economy.

The book further explores the historical and cultural significance of Chinese indenture. It examines how it shaped the lives of the Chinese laborers and their descendants, as well as the impact it had on the broader Asian and European colonial empires. The author also considers the legacy of Chinese indenture and its implications for contemporary society.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the study of colonialism, labor history, and the history of the Dutch East Indies. It provides a comprehensive account of Chinese indenture, shedding light on its unique characteristics and its impact on the lives of the Chinese laborers and the broader colonial society. Through its innovative research and analysis, the book contributes to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted history of the Dutch East Indies.

Weight: 950g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031050237
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022