Untold History of Sarawak,Rentap The Brave Iban Warrior

Summary

The video recounts the conflict between the Iban warrior Rentap and the Rajah of Sarawak, James Brooke, over local autonomy. Despite previous failed expeditions, James entrusts his nephew, Charles Brooke, to defeat Rentap. In October 1861, Charles leads a large army to Rentap’s fortress on Mount Sadok. Despite Rentap’s fierce defense, Charles’s superior firepower eventually breaches the fortress. Rentap escapes, though his defeat marks the end of his resistance. The video also explores the tension between James and his nephews as power shifts in Sarawak, with Charles ultimately taking over.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Raja imposed taxes in Rentap's area, leading to resentment among locals.
• 👑 Rentap was one of the last leaders to reject James Brooke's control, seeking autonomy and independence.
• ⚔️ There were two previous unsuccessful expeditions to defeat Rentap, who had a small but determined band of followers.
• 🏰 Rentap's fortress at Mount Sadok was considered impregnable by local people according to their warfare traditions.
• 🎯 In October 1861, Charles Brooke launched a campaign to capture Rentap's fortress with a large army and heavy armaments.
• 🔨 Charles had a locally made howitzer transported by 500 men to Mount Sadok, symbolizing the might of his campaign.
• 🔥 The battle at Mount Sadok ended with Rentap's fortress being hit by cannon fire, causing its defenses to collapse.
• 🏃‍♂️ Despite the damage, Rentap managed to escape before being captured by Charles's army.
• 🤝 Charles Brooke respected Rentap for his determination but ultimately needed to defeat him to solidify his control over Sarawak.
• 👑 With Rentap's defeat, James Brooke handed over rule to his nephews, Charles and John Brooke, marking a transition of power in Sarawak.

Q & A

What caused resentment among the locals in Rentap's area?

The Raja had been imposing taxes in Rentap's area, which created resentment among the locals who valued their autonomy and independence.

Who was Rentap, and why did he oppose James Brooke's control?

Rentap was one of the last divine leaders who did not accept James Brooke's control. He valued his autonomy and opposed Sarawak's government, representing a challenge to the authority of the Brooke regime.

How many followers did Rentap have during the conflict?

Rentap had a relatively small band of followers, with only about two dozen men defending his fortress at Mount Sadok.

Why was Rentap considered a threat to the government of Sarawak?

Though Rentap was not a direct threat to Kuching or the government due to his small group of followers, he symbolized a challenge to the government's ability to protect its people. His raids in the region undermined the authority of the Brooke regime.

What was Charles Brooke's role in the campaign against Rentap?

Charles Brooke, James Brooke's nephew, was entrusted with the task of defeating Rentap and his followers. In October 1861, Charles led an army to attack Rentap's fortress at Mount Sadok.

Why was Rentap's fortress at Mount Sadok considered difficult to capture?

According to local warfare tactics, Rentap's fortress at Mount Sadok was deemed impregnable. The mountainous terrain and local defenses made it a formidable stronghold.

What role did the locally made howitzer play in the Battle of Mount Sadok?

The locally made howitzer, crafted by Chinese smiths and hauled up the mountain by 500 men, played a crucial role in breaching Rentap's fortress during the Battle of Mount Sadok.

How did Charles Brooke view Rentap after the battle?

Charles Brooke had great respect for Rentap as a formidable adversary. Although Rentap did not wish to be part of Sarawak, Charles respected his worldview, despite the necessity of defeating him to establish control.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Mount Sadok for Rentap?

Though Rentap's fortress was destroyed by the cannon fire, Rentap himself managed to escape before he could be captured by Charles Brooke's army.

How did James Brooke's decision to banish his nephew John Brooke unfold?

James Brooke, in his old age, attempted to interfere with his nephew John Brooke's rule from England. After continuous challenges, John Brooke met James in Singapore and, in a drastic move, banished him on pain of death from ever returning to Sarawak.