Exploiting such conflicts, the Dutch then took advantage of the opportunity to reduce the indigenous powers to a state of dependence.
Not until the third quarter of the 18th century, did the Dutch gradually succeed making Mataram, Banten and to a certain degree Cirebon vassals of the VOC. Moreover, in Java they gained economic control over the most productive areas of this island by means of tax levies and many kinds of tribute from their vassals. TheVOCalso introduced new crops such as coffee.
In so doing, they gradually transformed their system into a Javabased polity, concentrating more and more on the exploitation of natural resources of Java, while their maritime power and grip on trade in the Outer Islands areas declined