To what extent did the introduction of the Ethical Policy (1901) transform the nature of Dutch colonization of the Dutch East Indies/Indonesia?

Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the introduction of the Ethical Policy transformed the nature of Dutch colonization of Indonesia. Some discussion of the nature of Dutch colonial rule before the Ethical Policy was introduced would be valid but must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to how the Ethical Policy aimed to transform living conditions and one way they aimed to achieve this was by making education available for the local population. Economic factors discussed may include developments in infrastructure, banking, agriculture and irrigation projects. Politically more autonomy was given to local officials. Candidates may argue that social, political and economic impact of the Ethical Policy impacted only a minority of the population and that for most Indonesians, life under Dutch rule stayed the same.