ABSTRACT
Few works on modern imperialism include Dutch political and military behaviour in the Indonesian archipelago. A broadening of the theoretical framework of modern imperialism has opened the way to new views on Dutch imperialism as well. Because the Dutch embarked on military expansion later than their colonial colleagues, the motive of international competition, of great importance in the general debate on modern imperialism, has drawn considerable attention in the Dutch imperialism debate. Fear of international competition thus figured alongside “ethical” concern for the people and bureaucratic concerns about Dutch prestige and law and order. In 1898, the Resident of Palembang had taken the initiative to depose the raja of Jambi because of his unwillingness to comply with Dutch demands. In view of the strong influence of economic interests in colonialism in general and in modern imperialism especially, this absence of economic motives in Dutch expansion may occasion surprise.
