Which Country Tried to Leave the UN?
When we talk about countries attempting to leave the United Nations, one name prominently surfaces: **Indonesia**. While no country has successfully completed a withdrawal from the UN, Indonesia did indeed take a significant step towards it in the early 1960s. This period was marked by a complex geopolitical landscape and a strong sense of national pride that led to this unusual, though temporary, decision.
The Context: Confrontation and Cold War Tensions
Indonesia's attempted departure from the UN occurred during the presidency of Sukarno. The primary driver behind this move was the escalating conflict known as the "Confrontation" or Konfrontasi, a period of intense hostility between Indonesia and Malaysia from 1963 to 1966. This conflict was rooted in Indonesia's opposition to the formation of Malaysia, which it viewed as a British neo-colonial project.
During the Confrontation, the United Nations, specifically the Security Council, became involved. The Security Council passed resolutions that Indonesia felt were biased and disregarded its national interests and sovereignty. These resolutions were largely aimed at de-escalating the conflict and were perceived by Sukarno's government as a sign that the UN was not an impartial body that adequately represented the interests of newly independent nations.
The Crucial Moment: 1965 and the UN Security Council Seat
The tipping point came in January 1965. The UN Security Council decided to elect Malaysia as a non-permanent member. For Indonesia, this was the final straw. They viewed Malaysia as an illegitimate entity created by colonial powers and saw its election to the Security Council as a direct affront and a validation of their adversary.
In response to this perceived injustice, the Indonesian government, under Sukarno, announced its decision to withdraw from the United Nations. This announcement was made on January 20, 1965. President Sukarno declared that Indonesia would no longer participate in UN activities and would establish its own international organization to foster solidarity among newly independent nations.
"We will work outside the United Nations," Sukarno stated at the time, expressing his frustration with the organization's perceived inability to address the grievances of developing countries and its perceived subservience to Western powers.
The "Withdrawal": A Temporary Stance
It is crucial to understand that Indonesia's "withdrawal" was more of a boycott and a declaration of intent rather than a formal, legal secession. The UN Charter outlines procedures for withdrawal, and Indonesia did not follow these formal steps. Instead, they ceased their participation and engagement with the organization.
For the remainder of 1965, Indonesia did not attend UN meetings and actively pursued the idea of an alternative international body. However, the political landscape within Indonesia was also shifting. The latter half of 1965 saw a tumultuous period, including an alleged coup attempt and a subsequent brutal anti-communist purge. This internal turmoil significantly altered the country's foreign policy direction.
The Return: A Pragmatic Re-engagement
The internal political changes in Indonesia paved the way for a re-evaluation of its stance on the UN. By the summer of 1966, with a new leadership consolidating power, Indonesia decided to re-join the United Nations. The formal announcement of their return came on September 19, 1966.
Indonesia's decision to return was a pragmatic one. They recognized the value of participating in international forums and the benefits of engaging with the global community through established institutions like the UN. The Confrontation with Malaysia had also wound down, reducing the immediate cause for their extreme protest.
Lessons Learned and Lasting Impact
Indonesia's brief departure from the UN served as a stark reminder of the complexities of international relations and the challenges faced by newly independent nations in asserting their sovereignty on the global stage. It highlighted:
- The power of national pride and the desire for self-determination.
- The potential for geopolitical rivalries to spill over into international organizations.
- The evolving role of the UN and its ability to adapt to the changing global order.
While Indonesia is the most prominent example of a country that tried to leave the UN, its story ultimately ended with a return, reinforcing the enduring significance of the United Nations as a forum for global dialogue and cooperation, even amidst disagreements.
FAQ: Understanding Indonesia's UN Departure
Q: Why did Indonesia want to leave the UN in the first place?
A: Indonesia, under President Sukarno, felt that the UN Security Council was biased against its national interests. The election of Malaysia to the Security Council during the period of the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation was the immediate trigger for their decision to withdraw.
Q: Was Indonesia's withdrawal formal and permanent?
A: No, Indonesia's "withdrawal" was more of a boycott and a declaration of intent. They ceased participation but did not formally complete the legal procedures for leaving the UN. Their absence was temporary.
Q: When did Indonesia try to leave the UN?
A: Indonesia announced its intention to withdraw from the UN in January 1965. They remained absent from UN activities for most of 1965.
Q: How did Indonesia rejoin the UN?
A: After a period of internal political change in Indonesia, the new leadership decided to re-engage with the international community. They formally announced their return to the United Nations in September 1966.
