Note on Indonesia-Malaysia Relations

NOTES ON INDONESIA-MALAYSIA RELATIONS

     Indonesia – Malaysia relations is like ocean wave.  The ups and downs move very quickly.  Sometimes it is good but sometimes it is very bad.  The worst relation was during the Sukarno era in the 1960’s.  The best one was under Suharto.   The reasons are several factors.

     Elite’s perception plays an important role as in the case of Sukarno.  He felt threatened by the international politics at the time.  He led a new nation which had just free from western colonialism.  He achieved freedom after a long and hard struggle against the Netherlands and the Japanese occupation. Consequently his mind was always suspicious to his long time enemy.  That’s why when Malaysia was so close to British government Sukarno thought that it was a move to corner him.  He interpreted it as a hostile action toward his new nation.  So his reaction was also hostile.

     Ideology is no doubt played an important in the case. Sukarno was leftist while Malaysia at the time was so close to western capitalism.  Ideology helped shape elite’s perception of a hostile neighbor.  Sukarno saw Malaysia as a threat to Indonesia.

     The issue of border is also an important issue today.  As there is no clear border between Indonesia and Malaysia this factor may become an obstacle to a good relationship of the two countries.  The case of Sipadan and LigitanIsland is a recent example.  The two countries claimed the islands but then Indonesia loses the case.  The area of Ambalat, to the east of Kalimantan is the latest case of border dispute.  It is an oil-rich area so both countries might think hat it is worth fighting for.   This is a delicate situation that needs careful handling. 

     Migrant worker is another important issue.  Hundreds of thousands of Indonesian worker, most of them are low-paid workers like house maid, driver, etc work in Malaysia.  Unfortunately some of them are illegal worker.  They do not have legal documents like passport.  In Malaysia some of them break the law that makes the situation more complicated.  We have to realize, however, that some of them are victims of human trafficking. 

     The issue of culture arises these days. This time the dispute is over song, batik, wayang, and tari pendet.  There is an Indonesian song –Rasa Sayange – that appeared in a Malaysian tourism advertisement.   The song which means the feeling of love and affection originally is a song from the province of Maluku in the eastern part of Indonesia.  Batik originally was an art from royal court in Java.  In Prambanan temple that was built in the 9^th century we can see the batik decoration in the cloth of the Hindu gods.  Wayang also come from the Island of Java.  The stories come from India like Mahabarata and Ramayana, and from Java.  Tari Pendet is a Balinese dance that appeared in a Malaysian tourism advertisement.  Later Malaysia admits that it was a mistake.  Reog is a dance from a small town of Ponorogo, east Java.  Indonesian people protested the Malaysian claim over these cultural expressions.  Consequently tensions mounted.

     All of these factors make the relations of the two countries complicated.  But I am sure that both countries need a good relation.  Both countries will suffer from bad relation.  They need each other.  Even I am sure that Indonesia and Malaysia actually are one nation divided by history and politics.  Once Indonesia was occupied by the Netherlands while Malaysia was occupied by British. Good relation is the only way to achieve mutual benefit.

     That’s why I appeal all parties involved in the case– writers, journalists, press, political parties, business people and general public etc to work hard to create close relations of both countries.  Good and close relation is a golden bridge toward business ventures. There are many opportunities for the two countries in business.  Indonesian tourist is an important source of income for Malaysia. So are Malaysian tourists for Indonesia.  So now let’s try to overcome all the obstacles and create a better relation and enjoy mutual benefit.  Diplomats, politicians should talk.  Writers, bloggers, hubbers, should contact and discuss the case.  Business people should continue their business. 

     For any Malaysians, let’s make peace not war, not conflict.