Asia 927
Malaysia, Malaysian and British forces began preparing for an Indonesian attack in
late January and early February 1963.
In May 1963, Indonesia began backing Communist guerrillas within Malaysia, hop-
ing to block the federation. Despite guerrilla raids and persistent Indonesian threats,
Malaysia was formed on September 16, 1963, and the United Kingdom, Australia,
and New Zealand were bound by treaty to protect Malaysia in case of attack. Armed
incidents followed for the next three years.
Much of Indonesia’s military tactics involved the use of guerrilla rebels inside
Malaysia, as well as propaganda attacks that they hoped would increase domestic
unrest among the Chinese population within Malaysia. In December 1964, Indonesian
strategy shifted to using more small-scale raids into Malaysia (specifically Borneo)
than massing troops along the border or sending larger invasion forces into Borneo.
Throughout most of the conflict, Indonesia’s president maintained a strong policy of
“confrontation” aimed at “destroying” the Malaysian federation. Border raids and
clashes were reported in November 1965 and February 1966. Additionally, on Febru-
ary 22, 1966, the Supreme Operation Command of Indonesia was formally changed
to the “Crush Malaysia Command.” Indonesia began considering peace talks in April
1966 and agreed to a meeting in Bangkok on May 30, 1966. A formal agreement was
signed by both sides on June 1, 1966 that ended the dispute, although no settlement
was noted.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from February 11, 1963. End Date changed
from November 14, 1965. Settlement changed from None.
MID#2904
Dispute Number: 2904
Date(s): March 29, 1964
Participants: 850 Indonesia/820 Malaysia
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: An Indonesian gunboat attacked a Malaysian fishing boat.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from March 30, 1964. End Date changed from
March 30, 1964.
MID#2913
Dispute Number: 2913
Date(s): February 24, 1965 to March 5, 1965
Participants: 850 Indonesia/820 Malaysia
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Malaysia seized 10 Indonesians and killed another suspected of infiltrating
their country. Indonesia quickly responded by seizing four Malaysian fishing boats
and eight crew members 10 days later.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from March 5, 1965.