IN the heart of the dense jungles of Sarawak, where the air is thick with the whispers of the past, a young Iban warrior lay in wait, ears straining for the faintest sound of approaching danger. Jenggut Anak Atan, only 14 years old at the time, was no stranger to the jungle's perils — its venomous snakes, crawling leeches and the constant threat of enemy patrols.
But in that moment, as the Japanese soldiers crept closer, his mind was sharpened by a singular mission: revenge. His brother, the penghulu (headman) of his village, had been killed by these same soldiers. Armed with nothing but his blowpipe, Jenggut was about to show the enemy the true meaning of Iban resolve.
This is just one chapter in the remarkable life of Datuk Seri Jenggut, a man whose contributions to Sarawak's independence and the security of his people remain largely uncelebrated.
Born in 1927, Jenggut's story is one of resilience, courage, and quiet leadership. Yet for many, his name is still a whisper in the annals of history, his extraordinary acts overshadowed by the complexities of the past.
This is the story of an unsung hero whose efforts shaped the course of Sarawak's future.
MAKING OF A WARRIOR
Born into a family of warriors, Jenggut was steeped in the traditions of the Iban people from the moment he took his first breath. His father, Penghulu Atan Anak Balai, was a respected leader in the Batang Balleh district, and his great-grandfather, Penghulu Gunggang "Mataari", was a distinguished Iban warrior. The legacy of bravery and leadership ran deep through his veins, and it was clear from a young age that Jenggut was destined for greatness.
Growing up in the shadow of the jungle, he became intimately familiar with its ways. The dense forests were not just a backdrop to his childhood, but they were also his classroom. He learnt to navigate by the sounds of the birds, the rustling of the leaves and the unique markings left by animals.
His expertise as a tracker became legendary. He could distinguish between the various types of plants, identifying those that were edible and those that were poisonous. He knew the jungle like no other, and this knowledge would serve him well when the time came to fight for his people.
THE JAPANESE INVASION
In 1941, Sarawak fell under the shadow of a new and terrifying force: the Japanese Empire. Their invasion came swiftly and with brutal efficiency, overwhelming local forces and sending shockwaves through the region. The Japanese occupation was marked by unspeakable atrocities — from massacres, forced labour and the systematic devastation of entire communities.
It was during this extremely dark time that the fate of Jenggut and his people took a pivotal turn. The Japanese soldiers were ruthless, taking food and supplies from local villagers, burning their crops and rendering them totally helpless. In the interior village of Long Nawang, the massacre of innocent women and children became a symbol of the horrors many had to endure.
But in the midst of this darkness, there was a glimmer of resistance. As the war dragged on, the allies launched Operation Semut, a covert mission to strike at the heart of the Japanese occupation in Sarawak.
Paratroopers were dropped into the jungles to sabotage Japanese supply lines and train local fighters to become resistance warriors. Jenggut, together with his brother Nyanggau joined this effort, swelling the ranks of the Iban warriors who had a deep and personal hatred for their Japanese oppressors.
A WARRIOR'S OATH
One of the most defining moments of Jenggut's life came during a fight with Japanese soldiers in which his beloved brother, Nyanggau the penghulu (headman) of their village, was killed. The loss was personal, but it only hardened his resolve.
At just 14 years old, Jenggut was already a seasoned fighter, armed with his blowpipe, a weapon that struck fear within the Japanese soldiers. The Iban blowpipe was no ordinary weapon; it was silent, deadly, and incredibly accurate. Using poison-tipped darts, Jenggut and his fellow warriors would strike fear into the hearts of the enemy, picking off soldiers one by one.
But Jenggut's fight was not just for vengeance. It was also for the survival of his people and the protection of his homeland. The Iban warriors, with their expert knowledge of the jungle, became invaluable to the allied forces. Their skill as trackers, their stealth, and their ability to outsmart the Japanese were instrumental in turning the tide of war in Sarawak.
In a practice that was both feared and revered, Iban warriors of the ancient days used to collect the heads of their fallen enemies as trophies, a symbolic act of victory. This tradition was not condemned by the allies; in fact, Lady Brooke, wife of the last White Rajah of Sarawak, once remarked that if the Japanese tried to invade Sarawak, the head hunters would "welcome them". It was a chilling, but effective method of instilling terror in the enemy.
A LEADER EMERGES
After the end of World War 2, Jenggut's leadership would extend beyond the battlefield. In 1946, at the tender age of 17, he was appointed the penghulu of Lower Batang Baleh, a position he inherited after the death of his brother. As the youngest headman in Sarawak, Jenggut's wisdom belied his years. His ability to mediate conflicts, resolve land disputes, and advocate for his people made him a respected leader.
But his story didn't end there. Jenggut's contributions to Sarawak's political landscape were just as significant. In the 1950s, he was instrumental in the formation of the Sarawak Rangers, a group of Iban trackers who played a crucial role in combating the communist insurgency during the Malayan Emergency. These trackers were among the first to assist the British army in navigating the treacherous jungles, where they proved essential in fighting the communist guerrillas.
His influence also extended beyond the military. As a key figure in the formation of Malaysia in 1963, he played a huge role in negotiating with the Cobbold Commission. His efforts helped secure Sarawak's entry into the Federation of Malaysia, ensuring that the concerns of his people were heard and addressed.
LIFE OF SERVICE AND LEGACY
Jenggut's life was one of quiet service and dedication to his people. Throughout his years, he continued to work tirelessly for the welfare of Sarawak. In addition to his role as a leader within his community, he was a founding member of the Parti Pesaka (now PBB) and served as a member of parliament for Kapit and Song from 1964 to 1969.
His time in office was marked by numerous reforms, particularly in the areas of agriculture, healthcare, and education — areas that would ultimately improve the lives of his people for generations to come.
In recognition of his extraordinary service, Jenggut was conferred the "Panglima Negara Bintang Sarawak" (PNBS) by the governor of Sarawak in 1984, an honour that carried the title of Datuk Seri. His contributions were not just in the form of policies or military strategies, but also in the way he shaped the future of his people, providing them with the tools they needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Jenggut's legacy is one of selflessness and courage. He fought not for personal glory, but for the survival of his community, the protection of his homeland, and the betterment of Sarawak as a whole. His story may not be as widely known as some of his contemporaries, but it is no less important.
When Jenggut passed away in 2011, he left behind a legacy that continues to inspire. His life was one of service, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to his people. His story is not just a part of Sarawak's history; but it is also a reminder of the quiet heroes whose actions have shaped the world in ways that often go unnoticed.
The writer wishes to acknowledge James Ritchie for the use of some photographs and references to his book entitled 'Heroes of Sarawak'.
Gary Lit Ying Loong is a retired academic from Nanyang Technological University Singapore. He's presently a visiting professor to some universities in Asia and Europe. Reach him at garylit33@gmail.com.