Maphilindo Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Maphilindo
Formation	July 1963
Dissolved	Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation
Type	International defence organisation
Membership	Malaya Philippines Indonesia

Maphilindo was an idea for a special group of three countries in Southeast Asia: Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The name "Maphilindo" comes from the first letters of these countries. It was meant to be a non-political group that would bring these nations closer together. These countries are all located in the Malay Archipelago, a large group of islands.

Why Maphilindo Was Proposed
The Story of Maphilindo
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Why Maphilindo Was Proposed

The idea behind Maphilindo was to unite people who shared a similar background. Long ago, a Filipino leader named Wenceslao Vinzons dreamed of a united "Malay race." He called this idea "Malaya Irredenta."

Later, another Filipino President, Manuel L. Quezon, also hoped for a strong, united Malay nation. He believed that if the people of this region worked together, they could build a better future. This vision was about helping the Malay people grow and develop together.

The Story of Maphilindo

A Dream of Unity

Maphilindo was first suggested to make a dream come true. This dream belonged to Dr. José Rizal, a national hero of the Philippines. He wanted to unite the Malay people, who he felt were separated by old colonial borders. Bringing these people together was a very important goal.

The Manila Summit

In July 1963, the President of the Philippines, Diosdado Macapagal, held a big meeting in Manila. Leaders from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaya came together. They signed several agreements, known as the Manila Accord. These agreements aimed to solve disagreements about two former British colonies, North Borneo and Sarawak. These areas were planning to join Malaysia.

Why Some Disagreed

Even though Maphilindo was presented as a way for countries to work together, some saw it differently. The Philippines and Indonesia were worried about the formation of Malaysia. The Philippines had a claim over part of Sabah (which was North Borneo). Indonesia believed that Malaysia's formation was a plan by the British.

Indonesia and the Philippines thought that a treaty between Britain and Malaya was a way for Britain to keep control in the region. These disagreements led to some serious conflicts between Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

The End of Maphilindo

The idea of Maphilindo did not last long. Just one month after it was proposed, the President of Indonesia, Sukarno, started a policy called Konfrontasi. This Indonesian word means "confrontation."

Indonesia claimed that Malaysia was formed too quickly, before everyone agreed. Malaysia had planned to form on August 29, 1963. But they delayed it until September 16 to allow the UN to check what the people of Borneo wanted. The UN team said the people wanted to join Malaysia. However, the Philippines and Indonesia still did not accept the new country.

On September 16, Malaysia stopped talking to the Philippines and Indonesia. Indonesia then stopped trading with Malaysia. The United States, led by President John F. Kennedy, had supported Maphilindo. They hoped it would stop Indonesia from becoming a communist country.

Maphilindo facts for kids

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