‘Visions of Serumpun’

Abstract

From 1966, with the ending of Indonesia’s ‘Confrontation’ with Malaysia, Malaysia–Indonesia relations experienced a gradual resumption of normality. What was noticeable about this process was the presentation of ‘blood brotherhood’, based on ethnocultural affinity, as the basis upon which to organize bilateral relations between the two countries. It was, however, during the administration of Tun Abdul Razak in Malaysia that relations with Indonesia became particularly warm. Underlying Malaysia’s embrace of Indonesia during the period from 1970 to 1975 was the fact that the key architects of Malaysia’s Indonesia policy shared a common belief in the need for Kuala Lumpur to consult actively and align its positions with Jakarta on key issues. The emphasis upon ‘blood brotherhood’ and Malaysian ‘deference’ to Indonesian primacy were facilitated by the view that close relations with Indonesia were a necessary buffer to the increasing dominance of the ethnic Chinese community in Malaysia.