Confrontation with Indonesia (1964-66)
Would you be a good foreign affairs decision maker?

File Attachment J

Situation/Decision/Consequence sheet

Situation 1

It is 1963. The new nation of Malaysia is about to be created from the states on the Malay peninsula, the islands of Penang and Singapore, and the states of Sarawak and Sabah on the island of Borneo. Most of that island will remain as part of Indonesia (and be known as Kalimantan).

Indonesia has made it known that it will oppose the creation of Malaysia.

The Governments of the states which will become Malaysia have asked for Australian military support against the Indonesian threat.

Decision 1

Do you:

A. Give more commitment to Malaysia?

OR

B. Reduce existing assistance to please the Indonesian Government?

Decision 1 Consequences

Public Opinion: People support the new nation, and Australia helping it.
  • If you chose A add 1 point; if you chose B take away 1 point.
Allies: The British would appreciate support, the USA do not want Indonesia upset.
  • If you chose A add 1 point for the British reaction, but subtract 1 for the United States’ reaction; if you chose B subtract 1 for the British reaction, but add I for the United States’ reaction.
Region: Supporting Malaysia would create a good friend in the region. 
  • If you chose A add 1; if you chose B subtract 1.
Indonesia: Indonesia wants to see Malaysia weak.
  • If you chose A subtract 1; if you chose B, add 1.
Security: Australia’s security will be strengthened by helping an independent country.
  • If you chose A add 1; if you chose B subtract 1.

[ To Attachment J, Situation 2 ]

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