Olga K. Kalendar

In the article some features of the development of the territorial problem in Indonesia — Malaysia relations in the late XX — early XXI centuries are revealed, in particular the recent dispute over the islands of Sipadan and Ligitan is reviewed. The author emphasizes the importance of the issue for the development of bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia and for the process of interstate border final delimitation in today’s conditions. In conclusion, the author attempts to identify possible ways to solve the problem taking into consideration its historical and legal background.

The article examines the determining factors of the formation and development of one of the most acute disputes in the interstate relations between Indonesia and Malaysia, namely territorial dispute. The author turns to its origin in the historical past of the region. Based on the analysis of several agreements concluded between Great Britain and the Netherlands in the colonial era, the main reasons for the development of contradictions are revealed. Special attention is given to the problem of interpretation of the corresponding agreements.