Lagenda Pemimpin Kaum Iban Yang Paling Digeruni Di Zamannya

Summary

The script narrates the legendary tale of Rentap, a Borneo hero who fought against the Sarawak Raja's government. Born around 1805, Rentap earned his title after obtaining a human skull in a headhunting expedition. James Brooke's rule, stemming from power struggles and the desire of Sultan Brunei to expand, led to Rentap's resistance. The 1844-1861 conflict between Rentap and Brooke's forces culminated at Bukit Shadow, where Rentap's stronghold was eventually conquered in 1862. Rentap's final years were spent in peace at Bukit Sibau, passing away at around 70 years old.

Takeaways

• 🏰 James Brooke was a foreign merchant who became the ruler of Sarawak after helping to quell a rebellion.
• 🛡️ The Raja of Sarawak's governance was initially established through the expansion of the Sultan of Brunei's influence.
• 🗡️ Datu Patinggi Ali was a local leader who resisted the rule of the Raja of Sarawak and was supported by the people of Sarawak.
• 🏹 James Brooke's forces conducted a series of attacks against the Dayak people, accusing them of piracy, which led to significant destruction and loss of life.
• 🔥 The actions of James Brooke ignited further anger among the Iban people, including the legendary Rentap, who led a rebellion against his rule.
• 🏞️ The rebellion led by Rentap took place in various locations across Sarawak over a period of fifteen years.
• ⚔️ The conflict between Rentap and the Raja Brooke's forces culminated in a series of battles, including one at Bukit Shadow.
• 🏔️ Bukit Shadow was a strategic stronghold for Rentap, situated on a high hill surrounded by steep cliffs, making it difficult to conquer.
• 💥 After several failed attempts, Raja Brooke's forces finally captured Bukit Shadow in 1862, forcing Rentap to retreat.
• 🌄 Rentap eventually settled in Bukit Sibau, where he spent the remainder of his life and passed away at the age of around 70.

Q & A

Who is Hai Retak and what is his significance in Sarawak's history?

Hai Retak is a legendary figure and national hero from the Iban community in Sarawak, known for his resistance against the rule of the White Rajahs, specifically James Brooke.

What was the original name of Hai Retak and where was he born?

Hai Retak's original name was Limau anak Ning, and he was born around 1805 in Sungai Kapuas, West Borneo.

What significant event led to the change of Hai Retak's name?

Hai Retak's name was changed after he obtained the first human skull in the Ngayau expedition, which earned him the title 'Retak', meaning 'Cebong', a term of praise referring to a land of fallen enemies.

How did James Brooke come to power in Sarawak?

James Brooke came to power in Sarawak after helping Pangeran Muda Hasyim defeat Datu Patinggi Ali, who was leading a rebellion against the Brunei Sultanate's rule in Sarawak.

What was the role of Datu Patinggi Ali in the early conflicts in Sarawak?

Datu Patinggi Ali was a local leader who sought to influence the people to reject foreign rule, leading a rebellion against the Brunei-appointed Pangeran Mahkota.

What was the impact of James Brooke's 1849 campaign against the Dayak people?

James Brooke's campaign against the Dayak people resulted in the destruction of 88 boats and the death of over 300 Dayak individuals, which further fueled resentment against his rule.

What was the significance of the Battle of Bukit Antu in the conflict between Hai Retak and James Brooke?

The Battle of Bukit Antu was a significant conflict where Hai Retak and his followers resisted the forces of James Brooke, marking a period of prolonged warfare that lasted until 1861.

What was the strategic importance of Bukit Shadow in the conflict?

Bukit Shadow was a strategic highland area that served as Hai Retak's stronghold due to its defensible position on a high peak surrounded by steep cliffs, making it difficult to breach.

How did James Brooke's forces eventually capture Bukit Shadow?

James Brooke's forces captured Bukit Shadow in 1862 after three unsuccessful attempts, when they managed to destroy the fortifications and used a large cannon named 'Bujang Rimba' to breach the defenses.

What was the outcome of the final battle at Bukit Sado in 1862?

The battle at Bukit Sado in 1862 marked the end of the Iban resistance against James Brooke's rule, with Hai Retak retreating and eventually disappearing from the scene.

Where did Hai Retak spend his final years and how did he die?

Hai Retak is believed to have retreated to several places before settling in Bukit Sibau in Ulu Batang Ai, where he spent the remainder of his life and died at the age of around 70.