Comparison of the Decolonisation Process in Indonesia and Malaysia

The author of the submitted work compares the process of decolonization in Southeast Asia on the examples of Indonesia and the Federation of Malaya. Although both countries have much in common, culturally, historically, or geographically for example; the process of gaining independence from the colonial powers differed in many aspects. Text analyses probable reasons for these differences by comparative study of economic, social and political histories of both territories in the 19th and especially in the first half of the 20th century. Taking into account the extensive subject matter the analysis focuses only on selected areas that seem to be essential to the distinct development of decolonization in researched countries based on the existing literature. That involves particularly the approach of colonial countries (Great Britain and Netherlands), the course of World War II, solving the ethnical issue and the role of local political elites. This work also covers brief summary of economic and political development in the period preceding the declaration of independence. Key words: Decolonization Southeast Asia Indonesia Malayan federation colonialis