PAD381 – Southeast Asian

Studies

Chapter 1
Introduction to Southeast
Asian Countries

© Fairuz Hidayat Merican, 2015

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Southeast Asian Countries

Papua New
Guinea

Timor-Leste
 Introduction
How did “Southeast Asia” get its name?
Originated from the book “Future of South-East
Asia: an Indian View” by K.M. Panikkar in 1943;
• Was adopted by the Allied Forces during WWII.

K.M. Panikkar
 Introduction
How did “Southeast Asia” get its name?
Reference to the geographic location of the region
as being “South” of China and “East” of India;
• Replaced previous references such as Far East,
Further India, Greater East Asia, etc.
 Introduction
Two types of geographic regions in SEA:
Maritime SEA: Philippines, East Malaysia,
Timor Leste, Indonesia, Brunei & Singapore;

Mainland SEA: Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam,

Myanmar, Thailand & West Malaysia.
BRUNEI
 Brief History

Powerful Sultanate during 14th – 16th century.

Territories: coastal regions of modern day
Sabah & Sarawak, and southern Philippines.
15th century: arrival of Islam.
16th century: hostile relations with Spain.
1839: arrival of James Brooke.
Lost most of its territory to the White Rajahs of
Sarawak.
 Brief History

Became British Protectorate in 1888.

1941 – 1945: occupied by the Japanese
Small rebellion during the 1960s.
Achieved independence from U.K. on 1 January
1984.
23 February 1984 independence from British
protection.
 Political Background

Independence:
1/1/1984 (from U.K)
Form of govt:
Constitutional sultanate.
Capital:
Bandar Seri Begawan
 Political Background
Executive:
Sultan as the head of state & head of govt
(Prime Minister).

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah

 Political Background

Legislature:
36 member Legislative Council appointed by
the Sultan.
Judiciary:
Supreme Court.
Shariah Court.
 Economic Background

Growth rate: 5.3% (2014 est).

Currency: Brunei dollar.
Agriculture:
Rice, vegetables, fruits.
Industries:
Petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied
natural gas.
 Economic Background

Export • Crude oil, natural gas,

Commodities garments

• Japan, South Korea, Australia

Export Partners (2012)

• Iron & steel, motor vehicles,

Import machinery & transport
Commodities equipment

Import Partners • Singapore, China, U.K (2012)

 Social Background

Population • 422,675 (July 2014 est.)

• Malay, Chinese,
Ethnic groups
indigenous, others

Religions • Islam, Christianity, others

Language • Malay, English, Chinese

CAMBODIA
 Brief History

Descendants of Angkor Empire (peaked btwn

9th – 13th century).
15th – 19th century: loss of territory to the Thai
and Vietnam (Cham).
1863: came under French protection.
1887: became part of French Indochina.
1953: gained independence.
1970: coup d’etat by Gen. Lon Nol. (Khmer
Republic).
 Brief History

1975: collapse of Khmer Republic by the

Communist Party of Kampuchea.
1975 – 1978: rule under the Khmer Rouge led
by Pol Pot.
1978: Vietnamese invasion.
1979 – 1993: People’s Republic of Kampuchea
(Vietnamese invasion).
 Brief History

1991: Paris Peace Accord.

1993: U.N-sponsored elections & establishment
of a coalition govt.
1997: factional fighting within coalition.
1998: election of a more stable coalition.
1999: surrender of remnants of Khmer Rouge.
 Political Background

Independence: 9/11/1953 from France.

Form of govt:
Multiparty democracy under a constitutional
monarchy.
Capital:
Phnom Penh
 Political Background

Executive:
Head of State:
• King Norodom Sihamoni;

Head of Government:
• Prime Minister Hun Sen
 Political Background

Bicameral legislature:
123-member elected National Assembly;
61-member Senate.
Judiciary:
Supreme Council of the Magistracy;
Supreme Court.
 Economic Background

Growth rate: 7.2% (2014 est.)

Currency: Riel
Agriculture:
Rice, rubber, corn.
Industries:
Tourism, garments, construction.
 Economic Background

Export • Clothing, timber, rubber

Commodities

Export Partners • U.S, U.K, Germany (2012)

Import • Petroleum products, cigarettes,

Commodities gold

• Thailand, Vietnam, China

Import Partners (2012)
 Social Background

Population • 15,458,332 (July 2014 est.)

Ethnic groups • Khmer, Vietnamese, Chinese

Religions • Buddhism, Islam, Christianity

Language • Khmer, French, English

INDONESIA
 Brief History

Many pre-colonial empires (Srivijaya, Majapahit, etc).

13th century: spread of Islam.
Colonized by the Dutch in the 17th century.
1942 – 1945: Japanese Occupation.
1945: Sukarno declares independence.
1949: Dutch recognizes Indonesia’s independence.
1963: Konfrontasi with newly established Malaysia.
1968: Suharto becomes president.
1975: Invasion of East Timor.
1997 – 1998: Financial crisis.
1998: Suharto steps down & is replaced by B.J
Habibie.
1999: Abdurrahman Wahid became the 4th president.
2001: Megawati replaces Gus Dur.
2002: Bali terrorist bombing.
2004: Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono became president.
2004: Tsunami disaster.
2014: Joko Widodo chosen as the new president.
 Political Background

Independence: 17/8/1945 (from the

Netherlands)
Form of govt:
Republic.
Capital:
Jakarta.
 Political Background

Executive:
Head of State & Head of Govt:
• President Joko Widodo (Jokowi)
 Political Background

Legislature:
Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (560 members);
Dewan Perwakilan Daerah (132 members);
Majlis Permusyawaratan Rakyat (upper
house).
Judiciary:
Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, Labour
Court, Anti-Corruption courts.
 Economic Background

Growth rate: 5.2% (2014 est)

Currency: Rupiah
Agriculture:
rubber, palm oil, poultry.
Industries:
petroleum & natural gas, textiles,
automotive.
 Economic Background

Export • Oil & gas, electrical appliances,

Commodities plywood

• Japan, China, Singapore

Export Partners (2012)

Import • Machinery & equipment,

Commodities chemicals, fuels

• China, Singapore, Japan

Import Partners (2012)
 Social Background

Population • 253,609,643 (July 2014 est)

• Javanese, Sundanese,
Ethnic groups Madurese, Minangkabau,
Betawi, Bugis, Banten, Banjar

• Islam, Protestant, Roman

Religions Catholic, Hindu

• Indonesian (official), Dutch,

Language English, Javanese
LAOS
 Brief History

Established in 14th century (kingdom of Lan

Xang).
Late 18th – 19th century: under Siam control.
Late 19th – early 20th century: became part of
French Indochina.
1949: gained independence from France.
1954: achieved full independence.
1975: Lao People’s Democratic Republic is
established.
 Political Background

Independence:
19/7/1949 (from France)
Form of govt:
Communist state.
Capital:
Vientiane.
 Political Background
Executive:
Head of state:
• President Choummaly Sayasone

Head of govt:
• Prime Minster Thongsing Thammavong
 Political Background

Legislature:
Unicameral: 132-member National Assembly.
Judiciary:
People’s Supreme Court, People’s Provincial &
Municipal Court, People’s District Court & Military
Court.
 Economic Background

Growth rate: 7.4% (2014 est)

Currency: Kip
Agriculture:
Sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn.
Industries:
Copper, tin, gold.
 Economic Background

Export • Wood products, coffee,

Commodities electricity

• Thailand, China, Vietnam

Export Partners (2012)

Import • Machinery and equipment,

Commodities vehicles, fuel

• Thailand, China, Vietnam

Import Partners (2012)
 Social Background

Population • 6,803,699 (July 2014 est)

Ethnic groups • Lao, Khmou, Hmong, others

Religions • Buddhism, Christianity, other

• Lao (official), French, English,

Language & various ethnic languages
MYANMAR
 Brief History
1824: Conquered by the British.
1948: Gained independence.
1962: Military coup by Ne Win.
1988: 8888 Uprising.
1990: Multiparty elections.
1990: Military junta refused to hand over power
2007: Crackdown on protests against increase in fuel
price;
2008: Cyclone Nargis;
Present: Rohingya crisis.
 Political Background

Independence:
4/1/1948 (from British)
Form of govt:
Presidential republic
Capital:
Naypyidaw
 Political Background

Executive:
Head of state & head of government:
• President Thein Sein
 Political Background

Legislature:
Bicameral:
• 224 member House of Nationalities
• 440 member House of Representatives
Judiciary:
Supreme Court of the Union, subordinate
courts.
 Economic Background

Growth rate: 8.5% (2014 est)

Currency: Kyat
Agriculture:
Rice, pulses, beans.
Industries:
Agricultural processing, wood and wood
products, copper.
 Economic Background

Export • Natural gas, wood products,

Commodities pulses

Export Partners • Thailand, India, China (2012)

Import • Fabric, petroleum products

Commodities

• China, Thailand, Singapore

Import Partners (2012)
 Social Background

Population • 55,746,253 (July 2014 est)

• Burman, Shan, Karen,

Ethnic groups Rakhine, Chinese, Indian, Mon,
other
• Buddhism, Baptist, Roman
Religions Catholic, Muslim, animist,
other

• Burmese, English, minority

Language ethnic languages
Papua New Guinea
 Brief History

1884: Northern half was under German rule while the

southern half was a British colony.
1904: Southern part was transferred to Australia.
WWI: Australia occupied the northern half.
After WWII: the two territories were combined.
1975: gained independence from Australia.
1975-1976: secessionist revolt on Bougainville Island.
1988 – 1997: renewed uprising.
2009: anti-Chinese riots.
 Political Background

Independence:
16 September 1975
Form of govt:
Constitutional parliamentary democracy.
Capital:
Port Moresby.
 Political Background
Executive:
Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II (represented by
Governor Michael Ogio).
Head of govt:
• Prime Minister Peter Paire O’Neill.
 Political Background

Legislature:
Unicameral: National Parliament
Judiciary:
Supreme Courts.
National Courts.
 Economic Background

Growth rate: 5.8% (2014 est)

Currency: Kina
Agriculture:
Coffee, cocoa, copra.
Industries:
Copra crushing, palm oil processing, plywood
production.
 Economic Background

Export • Oil, gold, copper ore

Commodities

Export Partners • Australia, Japan, China (2012)

• Machinery & transport

Import equipment, manufactured
Commodities goods

• Australia, Singapore, Malaysia

Import Partners (2012)
 Social Background

Population • 6,552,730 (July 2014 est)

• Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito,

Ethnic groups Micronesian, Polynesian

• Roman Catholic, Protestant,

Religions Baha'i, indigenous beliefs &
other
• Tok Pisin, English, Hiri Motu,
Language some 836 indigenous
languages spoken
PHILIPPINES
 Brief History

1565 – 1898: Colonized by the Spanish in the 16th

century.
1762 – 1764: Brief rule under British.
1898: came under U.S rule
1942 – 1945: Japanese occupation.
1946: attained independence.
1972 – 1981: Martial law.
1986: People Power Revolution.
Conflict with separatists in Southern Philippines.
 Political Background

Independence:
12/6/1898 (from Spain)
4/7/ 1946 (from U.S)
Form of govt:
Republic.
Capital:
Manila
 Political Background

Executive:
President (Head of State & Head of Govt):
• President Benigno Aquino
 Political Background

Legislature:
Bicameral:
• 24 member Senate
• 287 member House of Representatives
Judiciary:
Supreme Court, Court of Appeals.
 Economic Background

Growth rate: 6.2% (2014 est)

Currency: Pesos
Agriculture:
sugarcane, coconuts, rice.
Industries:
Electronics assembly, garments, footwear.
 Economic Background

• Semiconductors and electronic

Export
products, transport equipment,
Commodities garments

Export Partners • Japan, U.S, China (2012)

• Electronic products, mineral

Import fuels, machinery & transport
Commodities equipment

Import Partners • US, China, Japan (2012)

 Social Background

Population • 107,668,231 (July 2014 est)

• Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano,

Ethnic groups Bisaya/Binisaya, Hiligaynon
Ilonggo, Bikol, Waray, other
• Roman Catholic, Muslim,
Religions Evangelical, Iglesia ni Kristo,
Aglipayan, other

Language • Filipino & English

SINGAPORE
 Brief History
Founded in 1819 by Thomas Stamford Raffles.
1826: Became one of the three Straits
Settlements.
1867 – 1942: Became a Crown Colony.
1942 – 1945: Japanese occupation.
Malayan Union & Federation of Malaya.
1963: Joined the Malaysian federation.
1965: Expelled from Malaysia.
 Political Background
Independece: 9/8/1965.
Form of govt: Parliamentary Republic.
Executive:
Head of State: President Tony Tan Keng Yam;
Head of Govt: Lee Hsien Loong.
Legislature:
Unicameral Parliament.
Judiciary:
Supreme Court.
 Economic Background
Growth rate: 3.0% (2014 est)
Currency: Singapore dollar
Agriculture:
orchids, vegetables, poultry
Industries:
Electronics, chemicals, financial services.
 Economic Background

Export • Machinery and equipment,

Commodities pharmaceuticals, chemicals

• Malaysia, Hong Kong, China

Export Partners (2012)

Import • Machinery and equipment,

Commodities mineral fuels

Import Partners • Malaysia, China, U.S (2012)

 Social Background

Population • 5,567,301 (July 2014 est)

Ethnic groups • Chinese, Malay, Indian, other

• Buddhism, Islam, Taoist,

Religions Hindu, Catholic, other
Christian, other

• Mandarin, English, Malay,

Language Tamil
THAILAND
 Brief History
14th century: A unified Thai kingdom.
Formerly know as Siam until 1938.
The only SEA country never to be colonized.
1932: Bloodless revolution to create constitutional
monarchy
1988: First democratically elective PM
1991: Bloodless military coup overthrew govt
2006: Non-violent coup removed Thaksin
2006 – present: Continued political instability.
Long history of separatist violence in the south.
 Political Background
Independence: Never colonized.
Form of govt:
Constitutional Monarchy
Executive:
Head of State: King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Head of Govt: Interim PM Prayuth Chan-Ocha.
 Political Background
Legislature:
Bicameral;
House of Representatives: 500 seats;
Senate: 150 members
Judiciary:
Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Justice, and
Supreme Administrative Courts.
 Economic Background
Growth rate: 1.0% (2014 est)
Currency: Baht
Agriculture:
rice, tapioca, rubber.
Industries:
Tourism, textiles and garments, agricultural
processing.
 Economic Background

Export • Electronics, computer parts,

Commodities automobile & parts

Export Partners • China, Japan, USA (2012)

• Capital goods, intermediate

Import goods & raw materials,
Commodities consumer goods

Import Partners • Japan, China, UAE (2012)

 Social Background

Population • 67,741,401 (July 2014 est)

Ethnic groups • Thai, Chinese, Malay, other

• Buddhism, Islam, Christian,

Religions other

• Thai, English, ethnic & regional

Language dialects
Timor-Leste
 Brief History
1769: Portuguese colony was established.
1859: Western part was ceded to the Dutch.
1942-1945: Japan occupied the Portuguese half.
28/11/1975: East Timur declared independence from
the Portuguese.
9 days later: Indonesia invaded & occupied East
Timur.
Aug-Sept 1999: referendum declaring independence
from Indonesia & subsequent violence.
20/5/2002: internationally recognized as an
independent state.
 Political Background
Independence:
28 November 1975 from Portuguese.
Form of govt:
Republic.
Capital:
Dili.
 Political Background
Executive:
Head of state:
• President Taur Matan Ruak.

Head of govt:

• Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao.

 Political Background
Legislature:
Unicameral;
National Parliament.
Judiciary:
Supreme Court of Justice.
 Economic Background
Growth rate: 6.6% (2014 est)
Currency: U.S dollar
Agriculture:
Coffee, rice, corn.
Industries:
Printing, soap manufacturing, handicraft.
 Economic Background

Export • Oil, coffee, sandalwood

Commodities

• Japan, Nigeria, Germany

Export Partners (2012)

Import • Food, gasoline, kerosene

Commodities

• Indonesia, Australia, China

Import Partners (2012)
 Social Background

Population • 1,201,542 (July 2014 est)

• Austronesian (Malayo-
Ethnic groups Polynesian), Papuan, small
Chinese minority

• Roman Catholic, Muslim,

Religions Protestant

• Tetum, Portuguese,
Language Indonesian, English
VIETNAM
 Brief History
1887: became part of French Indochina
1945 – 1954: First Indochina War
1954: gained independence
1954 – 1975: Vietnam War
1975 – 1976: Reunification of North & South Vietnam
1978: Invaded Cambodia
1979: Border war with China
 Political Background
Independence: 2/9/1945.
Form of govt: Communist state.
Executive:
Head of State: President Truong Tan Sang;
Head of Govt: PM Nguyen Tan Dung.
Legislature:
Unicameral: National Assembly (Quoc Hoi)
Judiciary:
Supreme People's Court
 Economic Background
Growth rate: 5.5% (2014 est)
Currency: Dong
Agriculture:
Rice, coffee, rubber.
Industries:
Food processing, garments, shoes.
 Economic Background

Export • Clothes, shoes, electronics

Commodities

Export Partners • U.S, Japan, China (2012)

• Machinery & equipment,

Import petroleum products, steel
Commodities products

• China, South Korea, Japan

Import Partners (2012)
 Social Background

Population • 93,421,835 (July 2014 est)

• Viet (Kinh), Tay, Thai, Muong,

Ethnic groups other

Religions • Buddhism, Catholic, Hoa Hao

• Vietnamese, English
Language (increasingly favored as a
second language), French