Why the UK and Indonesia Could Never Merge: Historical, Geographical, and Political Realities

The idea of merging the United Kingdom and Indonesia into a single entity, as proposed in some speculative notions, is fraught with numerous challenges. This article explores the historical, geographical, and political factors that make such a merger virtually impossible, despite the potential benefits as proposed by some commentators.

Historical Context and Racial Dynamics

The current discourse around the UK and Indonesia potentially merging is often fueled by the idea of racial harmony. However, this view is based on an outdated narrative that overlooks the complex historical and geopolitical realities. While India and Pakistan have indeed brought a different cultural dimension to the UK, the notion of the UK 'gradually becoming part of Indonesia' through racial harmony is unrealistic and highly speculative.

Moreover, the prejudice evident in many commentaries, such as referring to 'slanted-eyed people', 'imperialist nations', and 'theoretically Muslim' populations, reflects a deeply flawed understanding not only of the Indonesian population but also the nature of international relations. National identities, both British and Indonesian, are complex and multifaceted, making such a merger a highly unlikely outcome.

Geographical Challenges

Geostrategic and physical barriers pose significant challenges to the idea of merging the UK and Indonesia. Historically, the British Isles, comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, are located in Western Europe, far from the Indonesian archipelago in Southeast Asia. This vast distance presents a major logistical and geographical hurdle that would be immensely difficult to overcome.

The idea of floating the UK down the Atlantic coast and through the Strait of Gibraltar is imaginative but impractical. Additionally, if the UK were to move to the Middle East, as suggested in some fantastical scenarios, it would have to navigate extremely restrictive international maritime laws and other logistical challenges. The UK's size and physical infrastructure make such a move logistically infeasible.

Political and Economic Dynamics

The political landscape of both the UK and Indonesia poses significant challenges to any merging idea. The United Kingdom has deep-rooted constitutional and national identity issues, particularly regarding the monarchy and the unique political structures of its constituent nations. Indonesia, although it has a strong national identity, has little interest in merging with a state that it perceives as corrupt and culturally alien.

In addition, the political drives behind such speculation, such as those of the Brexiteers, are rooted in a desire to reduce immigration and control national borders. The idea of merging with a large and diverse nation like Indonesia would likely be met with strong opposition from both governments and their citizens. Trade deals, such as the one between the UK and Turkey, further illustrate the complex political and economic alliances that already exist, making a merger even less likely.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the idea of the UK and Indonesia merging is based on a combination of outdated racial stereotypes and impractical geographical and political realities. While merger might seem appealing in certain contexts, the historical, cultural, and logistical obstacles make this idea far fetched. The focus should be on deepening and enriching cultural exchanges and understanding rather than attempting to merge two distinct and diverse nations.