Cultivation System
The native rulers were formally considered 'autocrats' by the colonial authorities and all land in their territories was considered their property. Yet they did not have jurisdiction over Europeans and 'non-indigenous Orientals' and most native law courts were eventually replaced by Dutch colonial ones. The colonial government also assumed authority in other areas; the princely territories did not have their own postal services, for instance. Dutch colonial administrators assumed the role of 'older brother' to the native princes, a relationship which was ritually symbolised by native princes taking the right arm of Dutch residents and governors during public ceremonies. The native rulers were styled as "Princely Highness" by the Dutch authorities. Like the "particuliere landerijen" [private domains], the princely states were not directly controlled by the colonial government, and so were not subjected to the notorious Cultivation System, introduced by Governor-General Johannes van den Bosch in 1830.