What the Confrontation was
The Confrontation (Konfrontasi) was Indonesia's campaign of hostility against the formation of Malaysia. President Sukarno saw the new federation as a British-backed threat and rallied his people with the slogan "Ganyang Malaysia" (Crush Malaysia). Indonesia broke off relations and mounted political, economic and military pressure from 1963.
How it was carried out
- Propaganda against Malaysia in the media and at the United Nations.
- Armed incursions and infiltration along the border of Sarawak and Sabah, and even landings on the peninsula (for example at Labis, Johor, and Pontian).
- Economic measures such as cutting trade with Malaysia.
Key idea / 要点
Confrontation (1963–1966) was Indonesia's opposition to Malaysia under Sukarno's slogan "Ganyang Malaysia", handled through defence and diplomacy and ended by the Bangkok Accord of 1966.
How Malaysia handled it
Malaysia responded on several fronts. Militarily, it defended its borders with the help of Commonwealth forces (Britain, Australia and New Zealand). Diplomatically, Malaysia raised the issue at the United Nations and won wide international support; it was even elected to the UN Security Council. The crisis eased after political change in Indonesia, where Suharto rose to power following the events of 1965. Peace was restored with the Bangkok Accord and a formal agreement signed in 1966, formally ending the Confrontation. This success also encouraged later regional cooperation through ASEAN.
Remember / 记住
- Confrontation launched by Indonesia's Sukarno; slogan "Ganyang Malaysia".
- Methods: propaganda, armed incursions, economic pressure.
- Handled by defence (Commonwealth forces) and diplomacy (UN).
- Ended in 1966 (Bangkok Accord) after Suharto rose to power.