Its official name is Brunei Darussalam. Its a destination that is not widely frequented, and its rarely included in the headlines. Though at the time of writing the country has found itself under spotlight. In a previous post '5 days in Brunei' we've provided a description of the new laws enacted that have sparked such global outrage, and in it, we mention the importance of us understanding each other's cultures and traditions to hopefully facilitate some form of a reconciliation. So what is Brunei? Its a small Sunni Islam sultanate on the island of Borneo which is shared with Malaysia and Indonesia. The entirety of the Sultanate is surrounded by Sarawak, a Malaysian state. Its a small nation that struck oil lifting its king to the status of one of the richest people in the world. It has a surprising history of retaining a historic family reign despite powerful surroundings, European colonization, and always turbulent global affairs. It has a story similar to its Asian neighbors involving Western influence as a British Protectorate, and Japanese occupation during the Second World War. Through all this the tiny nation persists with independence and wealth. One that's grown in influence, international involvement, and tourist appeal. This is a brief summary of Brunei, a modern kingdom.
Early History
Arriving in Bandar Seri Bagawan one is met with modern architecture, breathtaking mosques, and a lush environment. The king boasts a grand palace and the downtown is filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops. There isn't much that is indicative of a deep history. It all feels and appears youthful. There are no remnants or Medieval castles or walls, and the streets don't have much of a colonial feel. The breathtaking mosques and buildings were constructed primarily from oil wealth in modern times. Outside of the museum history graces your appearance only as you arrive at the sweltering waterfront. The taxi boats line the docks to take people to experience a unique spectacle, Kampong Ayer.
Kampong Ayer
Kampong is a small town built on stilts that lies in the centre of the Brunei River across from the modern downtown. The words translate literally to "water village", and the region reigned as de facto capital for much of Brunei's history. If the mosques symbolize the spiritual opinions of the state, Kampong shows the Malay people's seafaring routes.
Formation of the Sultanate
Though not much is known of its pre-Islamic heritage. Archaeological evidence indicates that the country was trading with the Asian mainland as early as 518AD. Before Portuguese and Spanish boats rounded Cape Good Hope and Magellan brought the Spanish to the Philippines Muslim explorers and merchants had long established themselves into the fabric of Southeast Asia. Outposts in Indonesia and Malaysia were well established in the 14th century, and the religion spread primarily via merchants as opposed to conquest.
In 1521 Ferdinand Magellan's ships were anchored off the coast of Brunei, Bolkiah, the fifth Sultan reigned. Estimates date the formation of the Sultanate to the 13th-14th century, though not much remains of its early history. It is likely that Islamic thought in the region may pre date the 13th century to some degree. When one is surrounded by Malaysia and Indonesia, which would rise to become the world's largest Muslim country in modern times there are bound to be similarities. knowledge exchange is inevitable where extensive trade networks exist.
Out of these local affairs a Prince emerged as the first Sultan out of a band of fourteen saudara (brother's and first cousins). They chose their current location along the Brunei river and the blood line has continued for over 600 years with the current Sultan, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, being the 29th ruler.
Sultanate of Brunei
The Sultanate grew in size and influence during the 15th and 16th centuries while Europe was still spreading its colonial wings. Most of which coming from what is considered 'Brunei's golden age' which occurred under, Sultan Bolkiah and Sultan Hassan. Under their rule, the Royal Court rose to match the lifestyle of other monarchs around the world, and their territory and influence quickly spread. Territorially, they occupied a large portion of the island of Borneo, the Sulu Islands, and even parts of the Philippines. A growing influence in trade and local affairs would soon capture the attention of those seeking conquest.
Capturing European Attention
The largest threat and declining force of the empire from this peak was the interest it drew from the European colonies. Spain saw them as a threat to their spread of Christianity, and after attempts to negotiate sent in the Armada destroying the royal capital, including the palace and mosque. These battles came to be known as the Castillian War.
As many topics in history indicate, war is not often one dimensional. The Crusades were not fought merely for religious purposes, and one must suspect that the Castillian War wasn't either. They may find their spark in these affairs, but one must seek the heart and mind of the common individual. Its important to consider that an array are factors likely prompted the Spanish to attack. Europe was expanding her territory and a small kingdom likely seemed as though it were easy conquest. Geographically it is also a central location within Asia.
Regardless of our speculation of these reasons the Spanish left after these plunders, and Brunei found itself in a gradual decline into modern times. The British soon became interested in the region to expand upon their Malay holdings and obtained Sarawak, Labuan, and Sabah for the crown. This was facilitated by a man named James Brooke, which started the Borneo rule of the 'White Rajahs'.
Modern History
British Protectorate
Becoming a British Protectorate
Already surrounded by the British and facing issues with the Dayak pirates in the area they formally became a British protectorate in 1906. They would remain under the British into the second world war when Japan adopted and acted upon colonial aspirations of its own.
Striking Oil
Under British protection petroleum was discovered and production began in 1929. The discovery took Brunei from modest local trade to one with significant commodity reserves that has since solidified its position as a prosperous nation. Having to only worry about a population of half a million helped matters as well. The oil operations are owned by the Sultan under Brunei Shell Petroleum an equal joint operation with Shell.
Japanese Occupation During World War Two
In the eastern theatre of the war Japan's wave across Southeast Asia included Brunei. Between 1941-1945 they were controlled by the Japanese. The attack came 8 days after Pearl Harbour as they jumped to seize British and American holdings in Asia. It took only 6 days for them to control the country landing just over 10,000 troops. It was anticipated by the British, but similar to Singapore they didn't have the resources to defend the colony given the threats faced in Europe.
The Australians and Americans helped to take back the territory in the final stages of the war. They then returned the power back to the British to stabilize the kingdom.
Independence from the British
In the aftermath of the second world war England led the decolonization process. Providing India and Burma (modern Myanmar) with their independence and the decision to remain or depart from the Commonwealth. This spread to the territories they held in modern mainland Malaysia and Singapore, known as the Straits Settlements, and Borneo which had the states of Sarawak and Sabah (British North Borneo).
Malaysia formed itself in 1963 providing Brunei with the choice to join as one of its states. They declined wanting to retain their monarchy. In 1984 they formally gained independence and were recognized by Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Britain as an independent nation.
Modern Times
As an independent kingdom with oil reserves and global acceptance the country quickly rose in economic prosperity. They boast a per capita GDP higher than many modern nations, and have a strong outlook moving forward. Education and health care are subsidized, and the taxes are minimal.
Unfortunately, from a political perspective, their legal code is not keeping pace with a world that continues to liberalize. In exchange for these benefits freedom of speech is forfeited. In 2014 Sharia law was officially adopted, which included harsh penalties including lashing and stoning to death. Odd penalties for a country that means 'abode of peace'. More recently this has been expanded to include homosexual acts, and with an aging Sultan lavishly enjoying the fruits of his fortunate birth there is no end in sight. Though capital punishment has not been used since the 50s, only time will tell what the rest of the world will do with such regressive policy. For many Brunei is likely too small for them to care and the legislation are just words on paper until they are enforced. We ought to question as modern democratic nations whether it is appropriate for us to conduct business with nations that hold such laws. Would it help or would it just widen the gap between our cultures?
Sources
Britannica - 'Brunei'
https://www.britannica.com/place/Brunei#ref509156
Facts and Details - 'Islam Spreads to South and East Asia http://factsanddetails.com/world/cat55/3sub2/entry-5224.html
The Commonwealth - 'Brunei Darussalam : History'
http://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/brunei-darussalam/history
A History of Southeast Asia - Arthur Cotterell - Marshall Cavendish International (Asia)