The Sultan, Parti Rakyat Brunei, and International Interest in North Kalimantan Affair 1962-1963

Abstract

The Brunei Revolution in 1962 despite of its small scale is an important event which lead to an international conflict occurred in the region in years next. As its international historical context, the issue about who is the most responsible to trigger it remain in debate. The Sultan of Brunei, Parti Rakyat Brunei and international powers were the player of its importance in the Cold War context. Through historical method uses primary sources of newspapers and published documents as well as recent findings, this paper will assess the question: who is the most likely party who triggered the event as well as contribute to its failure? From the perspective of historical chronology, the Sultan is likely the most responsible for the turmoil. His reluctance and unresponsive attitude; decision to seize the people's democracy; and arrogance in Malaysia's case, left all interested parties gaining momentum to pressure him to decide. The Brunei People Party (PRB) became one of the parties who tried to do it, with its often-neglected aspirations for national independence, supported by the people, sympathetic neighbors, and left-leaning nations at the time. This failed rebellion also resembles a symbol of relatively untouchable people of monarch which absent from historical critics regarding its powerful position in the modern politics.