The Historical Controversy Surrounding the Natuna Islands: Can Malaysia Annex Them?

Many often question why Malaysia couldn't annex the Natuna Islands, given that they are located strategically between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. However, a deeper understanding of Malaysia's historical formation and the realizations post-World War II offer a compelling narrative around sovereignty and geographical misconceptions.

Historical Formation of Malaysia

The modern-day Malaysia as we know it wasn't always united. It was formed in 1963 after a significant political decision by the British government to transfer Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore to the Malayan government, which later became Malaysia. Interestingly, Brunei was also part of this plan but rejected the offer.

Pre-WWII Territorial Realities

Before World War II, the territories which now form Malaysia, including Sarawak and Sabah, had their own unique historical contexts. Sarawak was initially an independent state with a treaty of protection with the United Kingdom starting from 1888. Sabah, on the other hand, was a British protectorate of the North Borneo Company. These territories had their own rulers and distinct histories.

The "Continuous" Unit After WWII

The idea of the continuous unit coalescing into Malaysia emerged only after the Japanese surrender in 1945. Post-WWII, the British annexed Sarawak, Sabah, and Singapore, paving the way for the formation of Malaysia. Until 1963, there was no single administration that encompassed both the Malayan Peninsula and Borneo. This is akin to the Straits Settlements' governor, who had an ex-officio status but didn't officiate a single, unitary administration over all territories.

Why are Sabawak and Sabah Part of Malaysia?

The question arises of why these regions are part of Malaysia instead of being independent. The formation of Malaysia was convened by Sultan Abdul Rahman of Johor, who ascended to the throne with full regalia of the Johor Sultanate. The legitimacy of Sultan Hussein's proclamation as the Sultan of Johor and Singapore was challenged by other Malay rulers. At the turn of events, it was Johor that seceded from the rest of what was then Johor, forming Riau-Lingga, while the rest became the Sultanate of Riau-Lingga. The seat of government then moved to Tanjung Pinang and Daik, both located south of the Strait of Singapore. Following the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824, the British agreed not to establish any office on the Carimon Islands, Batam, Bintan Lingin, or any of the islands south of the Strait of Singapore. This treaty influenced the dynamics of control over these territories, which eventually led the Dutch to depose the Sultan of Riau-Lingga, while the British took no action against this. Indonesia, as the successor of Dutch rule, inherited the Dutch East Indies, including the Natuna Islands.

Conclusion

The idea of annexing the Natuna Islands for the "completion" of Malaysia is not justified, given the historical and geographical complexities that have shaped the region's sovereignty. The historical context reveals that there was no single, coherent administration prior to 1963, and the current territorial dynamics were formed under the influence of colonial treaties and political events. Hence, the Natuna Islands are in line with the colonial agreement and subsequent geopolitical developments that led to their inclusion in Indonesia.