Kuching - A direct descendant of Panglima Rentap, one of Sarawak‘s earliest freedom fighters, who fought fearlessly against the Brooke‘s regime 163 years ago, wants the younger set to emulate his nationalism spirit, as the nation ushers in the 50th independence anniversary celebrations.
Luyang Bansang, 48, was only in his teens but he was well aware, through oral tradition passed down by his father that one of Sarawak‘s greatest Iban warriors had never surrendered to the mighty White Rajah forces.
Despite the odds against him, Rentap soldiered on and did not submit himself even during the three major battles in 1857, 1858 and 1861 at Bukit Sadok, Ulu Layar, in Betong division.
In fact, Rentap fought gallantly, defending his territory and his people against the intruders. He died of old age in the 1870s in Ulu Wak, Julau, which is now part of Sarikei division, about 30 minutes on foot from his longhouse.
"Although branded as a great rebel leader by the Brooke‘s regime, I really respect and salute his role as a freedom fighter and as a man who instilled nationalism," Luyang, an information officer with the Sarawak Information Department.
Rentap was his father‘s great grandfather and every villager in his 26-door longhouse, Rh.Ujar, knew about his blood line with the "Tawak Sadok," a type of gong, said to have been used during the Bukit Sadok battles.
It is being kept as a family heirloom for the past five generations.
According to inscriptions on Rentap‘s plaque at Bukit Sibau in Pakan, the site of his new memorial tomb built by the state government, he was a native of Skrang, who joined sea expeditions in the early part of his life, and gained popularity as a chief war leader of his territory.
When James Brooke became the White Rajah of Sarawak on Sept 25 1841, he declared that the seafaring Saribas and Skrang Ibans were pirates, with Rentap first meeting and fighting him at Kerangan Peris in Skrang in August 1844.
In what was perceived as the earliest indication of an anti-White Rajah movement, to Rentap James Brooke was nothing more than a pirate himself for trying to expand his authority and influence over his people and their traditional way of life.
Luyang said his extended family members were thankful to the government for the effort to establish Bukit Sadok as the "Lumbong Rentap" which means "Rentap Tomb" in Iban, in recognition of his fight for freedom from the Brooke‘s regime and in appreciation of his struggles to defend the Iban traditional way of life.
The site where Rentap‘s remains were buried was opened by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu on Oct 28 1989 before a large crowd of his descendants, Iban leaders and invited guests from all communities.
On July 27 1993, the state government declared him as one of the heroes of Sarawak, with his portrait displayed on a plaque at the Heroes‘ Monument at the Museum Garden here.
"But something must be done to make the younger generation learn about Rentap, his fighting spirit and the story about his struggles against the Brooke‘s administration so that the spirit of patriotism and nationalism is instilled in them," said the father of three.
As part of the state‘s rich cultural and historical heritage, Luyang urged the government to upgrade facilities, including huts and jungle treks, leading up to the Rentap Monument at Bukit Sadok, the site of Rentap‘s numerous exploits at 800 metres above sea level.
It was from the highland areas that the legendary warrior and his followers would sail down Saribas River or Ulu Skrang River in a showdown with the Brooke administrators with their attacks and retreat into small tributaries.
Luyang said better access and maintenance would enable the public, including tourists and students, to visit the historic monument atop Bukit Sadok, where a replica of the "Bujang Timpang Berang," the one-armed iron cannon used by Rentap in his battle against Brooke soldiers has been erected.
The original cannon is housed at the Betong district office in Bukit Bangun, having been moved from the nearby historic Fort Lily in Betong, where a town road and the community hall have been named in Rentap‘s honour.
Source: www.bernama.com (22 Agustus 2007)
