CLASS XII - THE ACTIVE ROLE OF THE INDONESIAN NATION IN THE COLD WAR TIME

Summary

This video script explores Indonesia's active role during the Cold War and its significant contributions to global diplomacy. It details Indonesia's adoption of a 'Free and Active Politics' policy, avoiding alignment with either the Western or Eastern blocs. Indonesia played a key role in founding the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) alongside countries like India and Yugoslavia, promoting peace and independence. The script also highlights Indonesia's leadership in establishing ASEAN, enhancing regional cooperation, economic growth, and security. Indonesia’s foreign policy continued to shape international relations, focusing on peace, economic development, and conflict resolution well after the Cold War.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia adopted a 'free and active' foreign policy after its independence, staying neutral in the Cold War's ideological conflict between the Western and Eastern blocs.
• 😀 The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was formed to allow newly independent nations to avoid alignment with either the U.S.-led Western bloc or the Soviet-led Eastern bloc, promoting political independence.
• 😀 NAM was initiated through a series of conferences starting with the 1954 Colombo conference, and later formalized at the 1955 Bandung Conference with 29 countries from Asia and Africa.
• 😀 The 'Ten Principles of Bandung' were established at the Bandung Conference, outlining NAM's core values, including mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.
• 😀 Indonesia, along with leaders from Yugoslavia, Egypt, India, and Ghana, played a pivotal role in founding NAM in 1961, furthering the cause of independent countries during the Cold War.
• 😀 Indonesia's role in NAM's leadership during the 1990s was crucial, focusing on economic development, alleviating poverty, and environmental issues in developing countries.
• 😀 Indonesia used its leadership in NAM to mediate regional conflicts, such as the Cambodian conflict and the South China Sea dispute, by promoting dialogue between developing countries.
• 😀 Indonesia was instrumental in forming ASEAN in 1967, alongside Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, with a focus on regional economic growth and political stability.
• 😀 ASEAN's two main goals are accelerating economic growth and cultural development in Southeast Asia and promoting regional peace through adherence to international law and justice.
• 😀 Post-Cold War, ASEAN focused on economic cooperation through initiatives like the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), and security cooperation, including combating terrorism and transnational crime.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Indonesia's foreign policy during the Cold War?

Indonesia's foreign policy during the Cold War focused on the principle of 'free and active politics,' meaning that the country did not align with any bloc, either the Western bloc led by the United States or the Eastern bloc led by the Soviet Union. The aim was to participate in promoting world peace without taking sides in the Cold War conflict.

What is the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and how did it come into being?

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is an international organization that seeks independence from the power blocs of the Cold War. It was formed after a conference held in 1954 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and later solidified by the Bandung Conference in 1955. It aimed to avoid alignment with the U.S. or Soviet Union and to promote peace and cooperation among newly independent countries.

What were the key principles of the Bandung Conference, and why is it significant?

The key principles of the Bandung Conference, known as the 'Ten Principles of Bandung,' emphasized mutual respect for sovereignty, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence. It was significant as it marked the beginning of the Non-Aligned Movement, where countries committed to avoiding Cold War bloc confrontations.

How did Indonesia contribute to the formation of NAM and ASEAN?

Indonesia played a leading role in the formation of NAM by initiating conferences and bringing together countries that opposed bloc politics. Similarly, Indonesia was one of the founding countries of ASEAN, aiming to promote regional peace, stability, and economic cooperation in Southeast Asia.

What was Indonesia's role during its leadership of NAM from 1992 to 1995?

During Indonesia's leadership of NAM from 1992 to 1995, the country revitalized the movement, promoting dialogue among developing countries and helping resolve regional conflicts. Indonesia's leadership emphasized global cooperation, peace-building, and addressing issues like poverty and environmental concerns.

What was the purpose behind establishing ASEAN, and which countries were its founding members?

ASEAN was established to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in Southeast Asia, as well as to promote regional peace and stability through respect for justice and the rule of law. The founding members were Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

How does ASEAN facilitate economic cooperation among its member countries?

ASEAN facilitates economic cooperation through initiatives like the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), which aims to reduce tariffs on exports and imports among member countries. Additionally, ASEAN works on free trade agreements with dialogue partners and promotes cooperation in industries such as transportation, telecommunications, and finance.

What are the main areas of political and security cooperation in ASEAN?

ASEAN's political and security cooperation includes efforts such as the ASEAN Convention on the Eradication of Terrorism, meetings between ASEAN defense ministers, and collaboration to resolve regional conflicts like the South China Sea dispute. It also addresses transnational crimes and promotes regional security cooperation.

How does ASEAN collaborate with external countries and international organizations?

ASEAN collaborates with external countries through platforms like ASEAN Plus Three (China, Japan, South Korea) and engages in dialogue with partners like the European Union, Australia, and the United States. ASEAN also participates in global organizations such as APEC, ASEM, and EALAF, focusing on international cooperation in trade, security, and cultural exchange.

What challenges did developing countries face during the Cold War, and how did the Non-Aligned Movement address them?

Developing countries during the Cold War faced challenges like ideological division, economic stagnation, and the threat of nuclear war. The Non-Aligned Movement sought to provide an independent voice for these countries, advocating for peaceful coexistence and avoiding involvement in the Cold War power struggle. It also addressed issues like economic development and the fear of nuclear conflict.