6 Nations That Were Once Part of 'Indonesia', Here Is Their Fate Today
Indonesia’s territory currently stretches from Sabang to Merauke and encompasses 17,000 islands. However, over the course of history, several regions that were once part of Indonesia have now become independent nations. Some of these areas were once under the rule of the great kingdoms of the Nusantara, while others were incorporated into the colonial administration of the Dutch East Indies before eventually separating and forming their own states. Long before independence, several neighbouring countries that are now sovereign and have become developed nations were formerly part of kingdoms based in Indonesia. Here is the list:
- Singapore
Singapore in ancient times was often called Temasek, Tumasik, or Sea Town. Citing the Journal of Religious Literature in an article titled Tumasik: The Early History of Islam in Singapore (1200-1511 AD), Singapore’s position was considered strategic as a trade centre. Several kingdoms that once controlled it include Srivijaya until the end of the 13th century AD, Majapahit until the 14th century AD, Ayutthaya-Thailand in the 15th century AD, and the Malacca Sultanate until the Portuguese occupation in 1511 AD.
- Malaysia
A number of historians also state that Malaysia was once controlled by Srivijaya, the largest maritime kingdom in Indonesian history. The conquest of the Malaysian territory occurred during the reign of King Balaputradewa. With its vast domain, Srivijaya became a highly influential centre of trade and religious dissemination in the world. It is no wonder that Srivijaya is often referred to as the Nusantara of the past.
- Philippines
The Philippines was once part of Indonesia during the Majapahit Kingdom era. Several historians believe that the conquest of the Philippines occurred during the reign of King Hayam Wuruk. At that time, the king and his prime minister Gadjah Mada wanted to make Majapahit a great kingdom. Majapahit’s territory covered the Nusantara, the Malay Peninsula, and the Philippines.
- Cambodia
Srivijaya also played a role in the conquest of Cambodia. Records of Srivijaya’s rule in Cambodia were obtained from a priest named I Tzing who once stopped in the kingdom. Its vast and strategic territory made it easy for Srivijaya to sell natural products and other economic resources, such as camphor, agarwood, cloves, sandalwood, nutmeg, and cardamom.
- Timor Leste (East Timor)
Indonesia has a long history with East Timor, which is now Timor Leste. East Timor was colonised by Portugal in the 16th century and was known as Portuguese Timor until 28 November 1975. Nine days later, Indonesia invaded and subsequently declared East Timor as its 27th province the following year. After being part of Indonesia, the people of East Timor voiced their desire to separate. In 1999, President BJ Habibie held a referendum which was won by the pro-independence group, leading East Timor to break away from Indonesia and later change its name to Timor Leste after becoming an independent nation.
- Brunei Darussalam
The territory of Brunei Darussalam was once controlled by the Srivijaya kingdom. Several settlements in Brunei Bay were called Vijayanegara, as reported by the Indonesia.go.id website. Brunei is also listed in the Negarakretagama manuscript written by the Majapahit kingdom in 1365. The area, referred to as Buruneng, was controlled by Majapahit after Prime Minister Gadjah Mada ambitiously carried out the Sumpah Palapa (Palapa Oath).