Polisi British di Asia Tenggara 1960-1965: Konflik dan Kekangan Ekonomi

British Policy in Southeast Asia 1960-1965:Conflicts and Economic Constraints

Abstract

The British Policy in Southeast Asia had experienced significant changes during 1960-1965. At that time, Britain faced the dilemma between maintaining the status quo in military involvement in Southeast Asia as well as facing economic constraints in funding the involvement. The dilemma whether Britain should decrease the military involvement arose because this involved the influence and stature of Britain as a global power. Britain was also responsible in ensuring the safety of its colonies in Southeast Asia. Nevertheless, the economic acquisitions obtained from these colonies were decreasing while the cost of involvement had increased. The formation of Malaysia in 1963 was the best solution for Britain because it decreased the burden of military spending without decreasing Britain’s influence as a major power in the Southeast Asia region. The Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation arising from the proposed formation of Malaysia failed to weaken Britain because Britian received strong support from the United States of America, Australia and New Zealand. The dilemma about this retreat ended in early 1965 when the situation was clear that Britain’s economic standing was no longer able to bear the huge cost for military spending in the region. In addition, stability began to emerge after the confrontation ended and Britain’s influence remained as a result of the defense agreement with Britain’s allies the United States of America, Australia and New Zealand. Britain finally decided to withdraw fully in stages at the beginning of 1965 and ended in 1971