SIR JAMES BROOKE,The Rajah of Sarawak

Source : Anak Borneo (*edited)


SIR JAMES BROOKE,The Rajah of Sarawak

He was the first Rajah of Sarawak, starting from the Tips of Southern Borneo to upriver of Serawak River,bordering The Sultanate Country of Sambas and SuryaNegara(Sangau).

He helped Brunei Sultan,Sultan Muda Hashim to crush the rebellion of Bruneian Pangeran in upriver of Serawak and He was granted the title of Rajah of Sarawak on 24 September 1841.

With the help of His successor,Rajah Charles Brooke,The Brooke managed to crush and conquered the Muslim Sherip country of coastal Lupar to Ibanic Country of Undup.After 3 times battles,the Brooke took Negara Saribas and Kalaka from Dayak Saribas and Dayak Skrang.The country of Sarawak expanded her land to the country of Melano,from Pangerans and Sherips of Sarikei to Bintulu.The Natives living in the country of Melano are Liko or known as Melanau today.

In November 1862, Captain Brooke rescued several civilians from the Moro Pirates (Irranun/ Marano/ Tausug of Mindanao) after a pitched naval battle off the coast of Mukah. During the fighting, Brooke's steamer named Rainbow sank four perahus and damaged one other with cannon fire.

Before Brooke came,the pasive natives of Borneo who were taken by the Irranun-Tausug raider were sold as slaves to other Sultanate countries such as Mindanao and Sulu Archipelago.In 12. 4.1869,the last Illanun pirates exterminated off Kidurong.

During that time,the Brooke faced many enemies :

~ manly from the Head-hunting Dayaks

~ Muslim Sherip and Pangerans

~ Native Kadayan-Bruneian of northern

~ Pirate raiders from Sulu Archipelago

~ and Chinese Hakka Rebellion

~ Japanese and Communist AKA Konfrontasi Indonesia

But today,we see what we have in Sarawak."from Tanjung Datu to Merapok", the Kingdom of Sarawak, ruled by the Brooke families.

Sarawak was officially granted independence on 22 July 1963.


Relevant entries :


-> REPORT ON JAMES BROOKE’S COTTAGE ON BUKIT SERUMBU, SINIAWAN, BAU.

-> Restoration of Brooke Cottage, Wallace Trail to start in June

-> SARAWAK REGATTA - to suppress headhunting in the past