Exploring perspectives on a divided country

1. Create a table outlining the Malayan, Indonesian, British, Australian, and American perspectives on the creation of Malaysia.
2. Familiarise yourself with the current areas of Malaysia and Indonesia using Google Maps. Find Borneo, and name the three countries who share this island today. This link outlines other islands that are shared by more than one country: https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/islands-that-are-shared-by-more-than-one-country.html.
3. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of dividing an island into multiple countries?
4. Why did Australia feel obliged to assist Britain in the 1960s?
5. Do you think Australia had a responsibility to get involved in Confrontation regardless of its ties with Britain? Why or why not? Divide into pairs or small groups to discuss the reasons for and against Australia’s involvement in this conflict.
6. The Australian, New Zealand and United States Security Treaty (ANZUS) was signed in 1951, ensuring that the three countries come together to face military matters in the Pacific region.
   1. Research the ANZUS treaty.
   2. Although the United States had signed the ANZUS treaty, why do you think they chose not to get involved in Confrontation?
   3. What can you find out about New Zealand’s commitment to Confrontation?

Various terms have been given to past conflicts, including “confrontation”, “emergency”, “incursion”, and “ongoing violence”.

7. Why do you think governments would choose to use these terms instead of “war”?

8. Examine the cartoon above.

1. Whose perspective is being represented in this cartoon?
2. What is the artist implying?
3. What symbolism, graphics, and textual clues lead you to this conclusion?
4. Create your own cartoon relating to the Confrontation, from an Indonesian, Malaysian, British, American, or Australian perspective.