These 6 Countries Were Once Part of Indonesia, Here's Their Fate Now
Nusantara, the region located along the imaginary equator line, was once a unified entity under the control of great kingdoms. Today, it is fragmented into countries in Southeast Asia, one of which is Indonesia.
The great kingdoms were centred on the islands of Indonesia, creating a diverse culture in the homeland. Despite continuous development, Indonesian culture remains firmly rooted in the distinctive characteristics of Nusantara, united under the motto ‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika’.
Long before independence, several neighbouring countries that now stand alone and have become advanced nations were once part of kingdoms based in Indonesia. Here is the list:
- Singapore
In ancient times, Singapore was often referred to as Temasek, Tumasik, or Sea Town. According to the Journal of Religious Readings in the article titled Tumasik: The Early History of Islam in Singapore (1200-1511 AD), Singapore’s position was considered strategic as a trading 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
Several historians also mention that Malaysia was once controlled by Srivijaya, the largest maritime kingdom in Indonesian history. The conquest of Malaysian territories occurred during the reign of King Balaputradewa.
With its vast sphere of influence, Srivijaya became a major centre for trade and the spread of religion, highly influential in the world. It is no wonder that Srivijaya was often referred to as Nusantara in 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 aimed to make Majapahit a great kingdom. Majapahit’s sphere of influence included Nusantara, the Malay Peninsula, and the Philippines.
- Cambodia
Srivijaya also played a role in the conquest of Cambodia. Records of Srivijaya’s control in Cambodia come from a priest named I Tzing who once visited the kingdom.
The vast and strategic territory facilitated Srivijaya in selling 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, now known as 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 briefly becoming part of Indonesia, the people of East Timor voiced their desire to separate. In 1999, President B.J. Habibie held a referendum, which was won by the pro-independence group, allowing East Timor to break away from Indonesia and later change its name to Timor Leste after becoming an independent country.
- Brunei Darussalam
The territory of Brunei Darussalam was once controlled by the Srivijaya kingdom. Several settlements in Brunei Bay were called Vijayanegara, as reported on the Indonesia.go.id website.
Brunei is also mentioned in the Negarakertagama book 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 Palapa Oath.