Comparing Economic Development in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore

What is it about?

Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are all in close vicinity but they have experienced quite different patterns of economic development and Indonesia has lagged behind Malaysia and Singapore. This paper examines how the different ways that these states achieved independence from the Dutch and the British influenced these variations in post-colonial economic performance.

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Why is it important?

The paper links post-colonial economic performance with the manner of decolonisation, and how post-colonial states reacted to independence settlements. The contrasting ways in which the Dutch relinquished control of Indonesia and the British of Malaysia and Singapore had long-term consequences for economic development. The paper also points to the dangers of too rapid withdrawal from established trade and investment patterns.