By Shikin Louis and Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 27: The impact of Operation Semut extended beyond its military success, leaving a lasting legacy on the Kelabit community in Bario.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg underscored this significance at the 80th Commemoration of the Operation Semut Parachute Landing of 1945, held at Padang Merdeka today.
Expressing deep appreciation for the event, he thanked the high commissioners from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom for their role in organising the commemoration, which highlighted the critical role their security forces played in liberating Sarawak from Japanese occupation during World War II.
“This is a history we must remember. The security forces from these three countries helped us drive out the occupiers from Japan at that time,” he told reporters after officiating the event today.
Beyond the war, he emphasised that the engagement between Allied forces and the local community in Bario opened a new chapter for the Kelabit people, leading to long-term socio-economic and educational development.
“As mentioned by Datuk Gerawat Gala (Deputy Minister for Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), a school was established, and this has certainly provided a new landscape and approach for Bario and Sarawak in the new era after World War II,” he added, congratulating the organisers for preserving this important historical narrative.
The Operation Semut mission was the third independent Allied operation in Borneo during World War II. It aimed to establish an intelligence network in Sarawak while also building a native underground resistance to support the advancing Allied forces. Additionally, the mission sought to rescue prisoners of war (POWs) and civilian internees held in Kuching.
The first phase, originally planned as a reconnaissance mission, saw a team of 45 personnel led by Major Tom Harrisson parachute into Bario in the Borneo hinterland on March 23, 1945. However, operational changes led this unit to function independently, expanding its operations across northern Sarawak, from Brunei Bay to the Padas River, as well as into southern British North Borneo and parts of Dutch Borneo.
Over the following months, the team gathered critical intelligence, coordinated guerrilla warfare with local fighters, and eliminated over 1,000 Japanese troops. They also helped restore civil order in liberated territories and facilitated the rescue of 11 U.S. airmen, along with many Malays, Chinese, and indigenous people who had been imprisoned by the Japanese.
The second phase of Operation Semut commenced on April 16, 1945, when a 25-man team under Major G.S. Carter was inserted into the Baram River region of Sarawak. This unit expanded operations across the Miri-Seria hinterland, the Sibuti-Beluru-Kemena region, and the Tinjar-Baram-Tutoh-Akah River areas.
In addition to supporting guerrilla warfare, they were tasked with assessing local political conditions and the sentiments of indigenous communities regarding post-war governance. This group initially landed in Bario, where Major Harrisson was already in command, before making their way to the Baram River.
The mission extended until Oct 15, 1945, though a detachment led by Captain W.L.P. Sochon was sent to the Rejang River at the end of May 1945 to initiate the third phase of the operation.
Throughout its duration, Operation Semut successfully mobilised native resistance forces, dismantled Japanese control in key areas, and restored local administrative structures, ensuring stability and governance in the region.
Today’s commemoration stands as a testament to the courage of those involved and the deep historical ties between Sarawak and its wartime allies.
The 80th commemoration of this mission stands as a tribute to the bravery of those who fought in the shadows and the communities that stood resilient in the face of adversity.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Rurum Kelabit Sarawak president Dato Dr Philip Raja, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to Malaysia Simon Fellows, New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia Mike Walsh, British Deputy High Commissioner for United Kingdom Tom Sheperd were among the dignitaries present. — DayakDaily
