VI) Jagoi Settlement

(a) Historical Background

legend related by the late Temenggong DatukSalau ak Jambang, a warrior (Panglima) of BungBratak by the name of Makabang had a dream.In the dream, he saw one wild boar in the midstof the domestic pigs. He also saw one sea turtleswimming at the Pangkalan Bratak. To him, itwas an unusual bad dream. As a Panglima, he

Bidayuh Jagoi originally migrated from BungBratak and they moved over to Gunung Jagoidue to bad omen as detailed in the legend ofthe migration of Bijagoibelow. However, there wasanother version whichmentioned that someBidayuhs under theleadership of Bari movedfrom Rabak Mikabuh,Penrissen to Paya Pais nearthe present PangkalanEntabang and some yearslater they went to Bung Jagoiwhere they settled downthere.

Gunung Jagoi, which is 1,162feet above sea level, istherefore comparatively anew settlement when

compared to Bratak, Singaiand Serembu settlements. The

Bidayuhs who are stayingaround Gunung Jagoi callthemselves "Bijagoi" andtoday, the Bijagoi populationhas not only multipliedtremendously in Bau Dustrictbut also has spread over toJagoi Babang in KalimantanBarat, Indonesia and Lundudistrict.

(b) Legend of theMigration of Bijagoi.

One night, according to a

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Bijagoigirls intraditionalcostume atDewanSuarah,Bauin1985

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called up the people for a meeting during whichhe related his dream and interpreted it. He said,"Kampung Bratak will be attacked by twogroups of people from downriver. We have tomove elsewhere in order to save our lives and

property". Most people in the village hardlybelieved the interpretation of his dream. In theend, he moved away together with his familiesand close relatives to another mountain known

as Gunung Jagoi sometimes in early 1838. A fewmonths after Panglima Makabang left BungBratak, his dream came true. Bung Bratak wasattacked and burnt down by the intruders fromSimanggang (Sri Aman) on 1-5-1838.

Meanwhile, Panglima Makabang and his groupsettled down at the foot of Gunung Jagoi. Theybuilt a village which was known as KampungTembawang Jagoi and planted many fruit treesaround the Kampung. A year later, the Kampungwas burnt down by fire originated, as it wassuspected, from the house owned by a womancalled Sakup. While the Jagoi Bidayuhs werebuilding their temporary longhouse at the burntsite, one group led by Panglima Makabangmoved further up the mountain and two othergroups moved out in stages to new places to lookfor farming land/Plaman and eventually builtnew settlements at Serasot and Bogak.

(c) Visit to Gunung Jagoi

190

A trip was arranged to visit Kampung JagoiGunung on 28-4-1986. The party including theauthor who was then the District Officer of Bau,Government Officers and Penghulu EdwardSibon were warmly welcomed in a traditionalway by Tua Kampung Uren ak. Tapak and thevillagers. The main purpose of the visit was inconnection with the implementation of agenerator project costing RM3, 000.00 in thevillage.

The trek from Kampung Duyuh to Gunung Jagoitook about one and half hours on foot. PanglimaMakabang and his group were wise to selectGunung Jagoi for the settlement because themountain is very steep and situated in a strategiclocation. It is like a fort which can protect theKampung people against any possible enemyattack. We went up to "the station" (the peak ofGunung Jagoi) and we could see KuchingInternational Airport and Kuching City from thedistance - a beautiful and fascinating sight. Inthe olden days" the station" was an "observationtower" against intruders who might attack thesettlement.

(d) Movement of the Kampungs inTaeoi Area

(1) Jagoi Gunung Settlement

After Kampung Tembawang Jagoi was burntdown in 1840, tl}e place was known asTembawang Sauh Jagoi. The Bijagoi of the"Burned Tembawang" was divided into threegroups for migration. One group led byMakabang moved further up the mountain andbuilt a new village at a place called TembawangTibodak where they stayed for quite sometime.However, at the later stage the villagers movedfurther up until they reached the peak of GunungJagoi where they found the place was safer fordefence purpose. Hence, they settled down thereand created a new village known as KampungJagoi Gunung sometime in 1842. They made afew longhouses and a Baruk so that they couldcontinue to practise old pagan Adats. In 1845,when Sir Hugh Low visited Upper Sarawak, hevisited Kampung Jagoi Gunung. He said thatKampung Jagoi Gunung consisted of 60 housesbuilt in a few rows.

After Kampung Jagoi Gunung was established

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for nearly 160 years, thevillage still exists but withonly 36 houses and apopulation of 73 based on2000 census. Most of the

villagers have beenconverted to Roman

Catholic Christianity withonly 9 pagan families leftin the village. The presentheadman is Odeka ak

Dirop appointed on 17-4-1989.

(2) Kampung SerasotSettlement

(i) Kampung Serasot

Sometime in 1850, the

second group consisting of 18 families led byKubeh and Kumbang moved away fromTembawang SauhJagoi. They went over to a placewhere there were many "Serasot" trees. Theysettled down there and called the new placeKampung Seraso1. They built individual housesto accommodate the 18 families. Kubeh was

appointed as the first Orang Kaya (TuaKampung) of Kampung Serasot in 1855 by theBrooke Authority, followed by Kumbang,Kitong, Koja, Munjew, Tarek and the presentheadman, Nyotik ak Moseng, who wasappointed on 1-7-1980. In 1955,a primary schoolknown as S1.Leo Primary School was establishedby Roman Catholic Mission in Kampung Seraso1.In 1965, there were 2 families headed by Munjawak Kan and Ajlis ak Goim were converted toRoman Catholic Christianity and an Attap chapelknown as S1.Leo's R.c. Church was built in the

village in 1966.In 1986,a new building for S1.Leo'sRoman Catholic Church was constructed to

replace the old Attap chapel. A Government

Clinic was established in the village in 1975.Basedon 2000 census, there were 241 and 705 peoplestaying at Kampung Seraso1.

(ii) Kampung Skibang

After the establishment of Kampung Serasot, thepopulation increased and there was a shortage offarming land around the village. According to Ex-Tua Kampung Noyem ak Atew who became theheadman of Kampung Skibang from 1986to 1998,a group of 3 families led by Kowang left KampungSerasot in 1900.They moved over to a place calledKampung Sima tang where they stayed for awhile. Because of bad omen, they shifted to a placewhere they formed a new village called KampungSidunuk. In 1910, due to the outbreak of cholerain the village, a group moved over to Skibangwhere they built a new settlement calledKampung Skibang and they made a 5-doorlonghouse there. Another group migrated overto Lundu District where they joined the Stungkor

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KampungSerasot,Jagoi

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for nearly 160 years, thevillage still exists but withonly 36 houses and apopulation of 73 based on2000 census. Most of thevillagers have beenconverted to RomanCatholic Christianity withonly 9 pagan families leftin the village. The presentheadman is Odeka ak

Dirop appointed on 17-4-1989.

(2) Kampung SerasotSettlement

(i) Kampung Serasot

Sometime in 1850, the

second group consisting of 18 families led byKubeh and Kumbang moved away fromTembawang Sauh Jagoi. They went over to a placewhere there were many "Serasot" trees. Theysettled down there and called the new placeKampung Serasot. They built individual housesto accommodate the 18 families. Kubeh was

appointed as the first Orang Kaya (TuaKampung) of Kampung Serasot in 1855 by theBrooke Authority, followed by Kumbang,Kitong, Koja, Munjew, Tarek and the presentheadman, Nyotik ak Moseng, who wasappointed on 1-7-1980. In 1955,a primary schoolknown as St. Leo Primary School was establishedby Roman Catholic Mission in Kampung Serasot.In 1965, there were 2 families headed by Munjawak Kan and Ajlis ak Goim were converted toRoman Catholic Christianity and an Attap chapelknown as St. Leo's R.c. Church was built in the

village in 1966.In 1986,a new building for St.Leo'sRoman Catholic Church was constructed to

replace the old Attap chapel. A Government

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Clinic was established in the village in 1975.Basedon 2000 census, there were 241 and 705 peoplestaying at Kampung Serasot.

(ii) Kampung Skibang

After the establishment of Kampung Serasot, thepopulation increased and there was a shortage offarming land around the village. According to Ex-Tua Kampung Noyem ak Atew who became theheadman of Kampung Skibang from 1986to 1998,a group of 3 families led by Kowang left KampungSerasot in 1900.They moved over to a place calledKampung Sima tang where they stayed for awhile. Because of bad omen, they shifted to a placewhere they formed a new village called KampungSidunuk. In 1910, due to the outbreak of cholerain the village, a group moved over to Skibangwhere they built a new settlement calledKampung Skibang and they made a 5-doorlonghouse there. Another group migrated overto Lundu District where they joined the Stungkor

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.group who had established the settlement alongSungai Stungkor. In 1947, from KampungSkibang Lama, they moved over to the presentvillage which they called Kampung SkibangBaru. Kampung Skibang Baru is accessible byroad from Bau. In 1950, a primary school wasbuilt at Kampung Skibang. In 1960, the peopleat the village were converted to Roman CatholicChristianity and a chapel called St. Philip'sRoman Catholic Church was built. In 2000 there

were 134 houses and 479 people staying atKampung Skibang. The present headman is T.K.Jihen ak Minaw who was appointed on16.12.2000.

(3) Kampung Bogak Settlement

192

In 1867, following the footstep of the groupmoving over to Serasot, a group consisting of 16families led by Nisan also left KampungTembawang SauhJagoi. They went over to SungaiPodam where they formed a new village calledKampung Bogak. Kampung Tembawang SauhJagoi was then abandoned. There were sevenheadmen being appointed in the village, namelyNisan who became the first Orang Kaya (TuaKampung), followed by Anden, Nyuen, Monyis,Nyaun, Nyandeng and until the present headmanJohen ak Nyandeng who was appointed on1-7-1980. The villagers remained as pagans forabout 100 years. In 1960s, the people at KampungBogak were converted to Roman Catholic faithand a church known as St.Mary's Roman CatholicChurch was established.in the village. In 1958, aprimary school called SRK Podam was built atthe side of Sungai Podam and it was meant toadmit school children from Kampung Bogak itselfand Kampung Duyoh. In 1997, the name of theschool was changed to SekolahKebangsaanJagoi,the name of the mountain and the tribe in the area.

Kampung Bogak had 142 houses with 625 peoplein 2000.

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(e) Migration of Kampungs from JagoiGunune Settlement

Since its establishment in 1842, Kampung JagoiGunung was prosperous and populationincreased. Hence, there was a shortage of landfor housing expansion and farming. Moreover,during the dry season, there was a shortage ofwater on the top of the mountain.

(1) Kampung Stass Settlement

According to Ex-Tua Kampung Lakus ak Nasuh,aged 64, of Kampung Stass, he said on 30-5-1874,Pa'Sabun and Guga led 39 families fromKampung Jagoi Gunung and went to a placewhich they called Tembawang Omba. Theysettled down at Tembawang Omba for 25 years.Pa'Sabun became the first Orang Kaya followedby Guga and both headmen died at TembawangOmba. On 24-5-1899,they moved to TembawangBaru where they lived for 26 years. By then, thenumber of families had increased to 57 families.

On 6-6-1925, they divided into two groups. Onegroup went to a place where they were many"Pelandok" animals and they settled down there.They called the village Kampung Pelandok andthey built a 24-door longhouse. At the later stagethey changed the name from Kampung Pelandokto Kampung Stass because the place was full ofhardwood trees called "Tass". In 1948, thelonghouse at Kampung Stass was dismantled togive way to individual houses. The other groupbuilt a village called Kampung Ngilonas atanother new place. However, a few years later, agroup led by Konak moved out of KampungNgilonas and migrated to Belubai in KalimantanBarat, Indonesia. The remaining group alsomoved out of Kampung Ngilonas and created a Bonew village called Kampung Kaih. Hence, a~

Kampung Ngilonas was abandoned. In 1956,:~ ~ ~c

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Botung within Kaih area wherethey stayed for 2 years. Later,they shifted to Mudug wherethey settled down for another 8years before moving over toSebemban which was part of thepresent Kampung Stass in 1965.In 1965 during the Malaysia/Indonesia confrontation, twoBldayuhs, Siret ak Nasuh and1aet Pa Taong of Kampung Kaihwere killed by the communists.Hence, at the later part of 1965,the whole settlement at

Kampung Kaih was abandonedand they all moved over toKampung Stass for resettlement.In 1950, a primary school known as SekolahKebangsaan Stass was built so that the childrencould attend their primary education atKampung Stass itself. In 1951, a group wasconverted to Roman Catholic Christianity and achurch known as St. Mark's Roman Catholic

Church and a prim'ary school called St. Mark'sPrimary School were built there. The presentheadman,Ringgis ak Lehok, who was appointedon 1-3-1998 is looking after 217 houses with apopulation of 922 villagers at Kampung Stassbased on 2000 census.

The Member of Parliament for Mas Gading, Y.B.Dr. Tiki ak Lafe, who is also the Deputy Ministerof National Unity and Social Development,Malaysia was born at Kampung Stass on11-5-1953.

(2) Kampung Sebobok

Based on my interview with Mabong ak Garin,aged 82, of Kampung Sebobok, he disclosed thatsometime in 1875, it was Panglima Kabeng wholed a group of Bijagoi moving down from

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Kampung Jagoi Gunung. They migrated over toBalung Buan where they stayed for a few years.Panglima Kabeng became the first Orang Kayaof the village appointed by the Brooke Authorityin 1880s. Due to the outbreak of cholera disease,

they abandoned the settlement and moved toSungai Gelomang. At Sungai Gelomang theystayed for more than 40years. In 1926, they movedout from Sungai Gelomang and finally theysettled down at Sungai Sebobok where they builta new village called Kampung Sebobok. In 1964,Kampung Sebobok was converted to Christianityand a chapel known as St. Augustine's RomanCatholic Church was established there. In 1967, a

primary school called Sekolah KebangsaanSebobok was built so that the children could

attend their primary education in the village. In1975, the old village of Kampung Sebobok wasabondaned and they moved over to the presentKampung Sebobok Baru which is along the roadand at the side of the primary school. The presentheadman, Jee Majid, who was appointed on 1-6-1998 looks after 75 houses with a population of372 people staying at Kampung Sebobok basedon 2000 census.

KampllngStass, ,agoi

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(3) Jagoi Babang and Raso Settlements

In 1900, according to Penghulu Edward Sibonof Jagoi area, Kampung Gunung Jagoi had morethan 200 houses in a few rows. The limited area

for expansion on the Gunung had resulted in 50Jagoi Bidayuh families moving over toKalimantan Barat, Indonesia. They looked fornew agricultural land and finally they settleddown at Babang and called themselves BijagoiBabang. In 1988, the Jagoi Babang settlement hadmultiplied to five villages namely KampungKindaw, Kampung Bidak, Kampung Takat,Kampung Beredat and Kampung Sijarow witha population of more than 700. In the year 2000,two more new villages were created at JagoiBabang and the villages are known as KampungLiso and Kampung Pelanuh. The population ofBijagoi Babang is now more than 1000 people.

In 1901, another group headed by Konak leftKampung Jagoi Gunung and they went to Stass.From Stass, Konak led his people to Belubai,Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia but some remainedat Kampung Stass (Tembawang Baru). AtBelubai, the Bidayuh Jagoi lived for a few years.It was at Belubai that they were hit by choleradisease and many of them died. Konak died atBelubai and his son, Kolah, took over theleadership. He led more than 10 families and leftBelubai to Sungai Raso in Lundu in 1905. Fromthe initial settlement at Raso where they lookedfor suitable farming land, the Jagoi Bidayuhpopulation spread over to eight other newvillages namely Kampung Bokah, KampungRaso I, Kampung Raso II, Kampung StungkorLama, Kampung Stungkor Baru, KampungSelampit, Kampung Stuum Muda, KampungSimpang Bokah and Kampung Siluk with apopulation of more than 4,300 in the year 2000.

194

(4) Kampung Duyoh Settlement

In 1910, another group of 5 families led by OrangKaya Kanya Pak Raieng moved down fromKampung Jagoi Gunung and established a newvillage on the lowland along Sungai Duyoh andthey called the new village Kampung Duyoh.The word "Duyoh" actually comes from theBidayuh word "Kuyoh" which means "Crab"because in the olden days, Sungai Duyoh wasfull of Kuyoh crabs. In 1911, when more familiesmoved down from the mountain, a longhouseconsisting of 10 doors was built at KampungDuyoh. However, the longhouse was dismantledin 1950for the construction of individual houses.

In 1920, Midot ak Sagi was appointed as the TuaKampung of Kampung Duyoh, followed byEdward Sibon, Ahien ak Nojep and the presentTua Kampung Gumbek ak Moyew. In 1948,another big group of more than 30 families camedown from Kampung Jagoi Gunung and settleddown at Kampung Duyoh. In 1950s, EdwardSibon ak Nyongiew brought 8 familes from thevillage to embrace to Roman CatholicChristianity and a few years later a churchknown as St. Lucas's Church was built there. In

2000, based on the census record kept at DistrictOffice, Bau, there were 151 houses with apopulation of 962 in Kampung Duyoh. ThePenghulu of Jagoi area, the former Tua Kampungof Kampung Duyoh, Edward Sibon Nyongiewwas appointed as the Penghulu on 1-7-1972 untiltoday.

(5) Kampung Sirikin Settlement

In 1915, Baseng ak Keros headed a group of 20families left Kampung Jagoi Gunung and moveddown to the foot of Gunung Jagoi where theyestablished a new settlement known as

Kampung Serabak at the side of Sungai Sirikin.Kabah Pa Tadeg became the first Orang Kaya

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(Tua Kampung) followed byKisong Pa Saeng. In BidayuhJagoi dialect, the word "Rabak"means "Flat Land". The oldvillage of Kampung Serabak wasbuilt on the flat land. Theyconstructed a 20-door longhouseat Kampung Serabak in 1920 butit was dismantled after SecondWorld War in 1947. According toEx- Tua Kampung Angaw akGadeng, aged 71, who was theheadman of Kampung Sirikinfrom 1957 to 1964, he said that in1953 he led 6 families from

Kampung Serabak to SungaiSirikin where they formed a newvillage called Kampung Sirikin.Angaw ak Gadeng at the laterstage became the first TuaKampung of the newly formedvillage of Kampung Sirikinfollowed by N oew ak Ulai,Mideh ak Gunew and the presentheadman, Tua Kampung Gihingak Mideh @Giham ak Meda who

was appointed as the headmanwith effect from 25-2-1988. The

word "Sirikin" in Bidayuh Jagoidialect means "Station" because

the village is situated at theborder point between Sarawakand Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia.Whoever passing the borderpoint had to station there for awhile and, hence, the name of Sirikin was createdas the name of the village.

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In 1958, a primary school was built at KampungSerabak and until today the school is still knownas Sekolah Kebangsaan Serabak although thereare only five houses left at Kampung Serabak.

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In 1978, Christianity came over to KampungSirikin and a group of villagers joined the Roman IIIINII

Catholic faith. A church known as St. FrancisX'avier's Roman Catholic Church was built

there. Today, there are 50% of the people at

1lllnt"Kampung Sirikin still believing the Pagan Old 195 I

Adat. Based on 2000 census, there were 151 Iii

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houses with a population of 649 people stayingat Kampung Sirikin.

In 1985, there were only three shophouses atKampung Sirikin. In view of the importance ofKampung Sirikin as a border bazaar, anImmigration and Custom Office was built thereto check the border immigration matters. Thereare many Indonesians especially from JagoiBabang, Seluas, Sanggauledo, Ledo andBengkayang areas in Kalimantan Barat comingover to Kampung Sirikin to do their tradingbusiness, especially on Saturday and Sunday.They use a 3-kilometre muddy road to cross overthe border from Jagoi Babang either by foot thattakes about one hour or by motor-cycles which

takes about 15 minutes' drive to reach Sirikn.

Besides the general traders in Sirikin, thebusinessmen from Kuching and Bau also comeover to trade with the Indonesians along theSirikinjJagoi Babang Road. Hence, SirikinBazaar is a busy and booming rural centre in BauDistrict. Especially on Saturday and Sunday,many traders and general public from Kuchingand Bau areas go to Sirikin for trading and thereare so many vehicles going there that it isdifficulty to look for empty space for parking.The private car-park is built there and the ownercharges every vehicle RM 2/ -per entry per day.In 2001, there were 12 shophouses in SirikinBazaar and more shophouses are expected to bebuilt there.

(e) Summary of Movement of Kampungs in Jagoi Area

Kg. Kindaw

Kg. JagoiGunung

JagoiBabang(Indonesia)

Sungkung,KalimantanBarat

Kg. BratakGunungLandar

Kg.TembawangSauh, Jagoi

196

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In the year 2000,~The details are as.

(f) List of N

No. I Pemanca (pe

1. Kowah

2. Keros

3. Katan

4. Gunien

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I Kojang (Penf6. Basieng

7. Munyew Pa

8. Mijod ak Go

9. Edward Sibc

No. Name ofK.

1. Bogag

2. Duyoh

3. Sirikin

4. Jagoi Gunl

5. Serasot

6. Sebobok

7. Skibang

8. Stass

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(f) List of Names of Orang Kaya Pemanca (Penghulu) in Jagoi Area,II

No. Pemanca (Penghulu) Home Kampung Period il II

1. Kowah Kg. Jagoi Gunung Unknown

2. Keros Kg. Jagoi Gunung Unknown

3. Katan Kg. Jagoi Gunung Unknown

4. Gunien Kg. Jagoi Gunung Unknown

:,5. Kojang (Pengarah) Kg. Stass From 1906-1930.Died on 26.11.30

6. Basieng Kg. Duyoh Unknown

7. Munyew Pa Nyomew Kg. Serasot Died on 2.1.1948

II8. Mijod ak Goim Kg. Jagoi Gunung Retired in 1971

9. Edward Sibon ak. Nyongiew Kg. Duyoh Appointed from 2-4-1973until todayh

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In the year 2000, there were 8 Kampungs with 1,158 houses and a population of 4,507 in Jagoi area.II"The details are as follows:

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No. Name of Kampung Name of Tua Kampung No of Houses Population

1. Bogag Johen ak Nyandeng 142 625II2. Duyoh Gumbek ak. Munjew 162 682

IIII3. Sirikin Gihing ak Mideh @Giham 151 649ak Meda

I4. Jagoi Gunung Odeka ak. Dirop 36 73

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5. Serasot Nyotik ak Moseng 241 705

III6. Sebobok Jee Majid 75 372t!II I'7. Skibang Jihen ak Minaw 134 479 I

:1 h III8. Stass Ringgis ak. Lehok 217 922 II IIII. I

I" IITotal 1,158 4,507 197

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GunungKrokongwas firstinhabited

by agroupof Bratak

Bidayuh in1843

198

(VII) KROKONG SETTLEMENT

(a) Historical Background

Krokong Settlement which comprises of 9Kampungs was formerly under Jagoi areaadministered by Penghulu Edward Sibon. It wasofficially split away from Jagoi area on 31-5-1986and a new Penghulu in the person of Asong ak.Johor from Kampung Kaman was appointed.

Krokong Settlement is also comparatively a newarea when compared to Bratak or Serembusettlements. In actual fact, the Bidayuhs fromGunung Orat migrated over to Gunung Tra-ansometime in 1840. They stayed at Gunung Tra-an for a while and then they moved over to Piled.Again, they did not stay long at Piled and theyshifted to Perason where they stayed for a coupleof years. Sometime in 1843, a group left Perasonand moved to Gunung Krokong where theycreated a village known as Kampung KrokongGunung. This was confirmed by Hugh Low whovisited Kampung Krokong on 26-11-1845. He

described that Kampung Krokong had beenrecently established because there were no fruittrees except plantains. He mentioned thatKampung Krokong belonged to Sow tribe (Sauh)who originally came from Kampung GunungRat (Orat). There were about 30 to 40 well-builthouses in a single row with a Pangah (Baruk) atKampung Krokong. Their houses at KampungGunung Rat (Orat) were destroyed by the SkrangIbans who took away many children as slaves(Low, p. 386).

When Frederick Boyle visited Sarawak in 1865,he went to Upper Sarawak for hunting. He saidthat Kampung Krokong Gunung was already inexistence. From Bidi, it took him 4 hours to reach

Krokong by walking over 'Batang' path.Kampung Krokong was a straggling longhouseabout 80 yards long. He saw a Baruk in decayingcondition and he saw 9 human skulls were keptin the headhouse. The Baruk was circular or

perhaps octagonal in shape, neatly constructedand aborned with crude pictures and ratherindecorous carvings. There was an Orang Kaya

Pemanca at Krokong (Boyle, p.34). In 1880s, Barot and hisfollowers abandoned Perason

and they migrated to SungaiPeded where they establisheda new village called KampungBlimbin.

Krokong area is situatedwithin the mining belt andmany places within Krokonghave been mined either for

gold or mercury. Krokong areahad also been inhabited by theChinese miners since the 19th

Century. Due to the constantcontact with the Chinese

miners especially the Hakka,

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intermarriage was not uncommon. Because 0the above factor, many Bidayuhs in the are,especially around Pangkalan Tebang ancKrokong areas can speak ChinesejHakkcfluently and at same time many Chinese residin~in these areas can converse fluent Bidayullanguage.

(1) Kampung Blimbin Settlement

(a) Kampung Blimbin

In 1845, Kampung Krokong Gunung andPerason consisted of 40 houses. However, theincrease of population meant more houses wereto be constructed but there was a shortage of landfor housing expansion at Gunung Krokong.Hence, in 1880, Barot led 20 families out fromPerason and moved down from the mountain.They established a new settlement near a Lubok(pool) along Sungai Pedeh. Since the place wasfull of Blimbin fruit trees in the olden days, theycalled the place Kampung Blimbin. Barot becamethe first headman of Kampung Blimbin,followed by Nyuew, Abang ak Nyuew, Siru,Rubis ak Nyowis and the present Tua KampungJomet ak Rubis who was appointed on 1-10-1986still serves the village. In 1961, James Manisbrought the villagers to be converted to RomanChristianity and a church known as St. Patrick' bRoman Catholic Church was established in

Krokong in 1962. However, a primary schoolcalled Sekolah Rendah Bantuan St. Patrick wasestablished much earlier in 1951. In 2000, therewere 86 houses and 445 inhabitants at KampungBlimbin. .

(b) Kampung Butcy'Kampung Bijongan

After its establishment, Kampung Blimbin wasprosperous and population multiplied. In 1975,Mesok ak Nusok led 9 families out of Kampung

intermarriage was not uncommon. Because ofthe above factor, many Bidayuhs in the areaespecially around Pangkalan Tebang andKrokong areas can speak ChinesejHakkafluently and at same time many Chinese residingin these areas can converse fluent Bidayuhlanguage.

(1) Kampung Blimbin Settlement

(a) Kampune: Blimbin

In 1845, Kampung Krokong Gunung andPerason consisted of 40 houses. However, theincrease of population meant more houses wereto be constructed but there was a shortage of landfor housing expansion at Gunung Krokong.Hence, in 1880, Barot led 20 families out fromPerason and moved down from the mountain.

They established a new settlement near a Lubok(pool) along Sungai Pedeh. Since the place wasfull of Blimbin fruit trees in the olden days, theycalled the place Kampung Blimbin. Barot becamethe first headman of Kampung Blimbin,followed by Nyuew, Abang ak Nyuew, Siru,Rubis ak Nyowis and the present Tua KampungJomet ak Rubis who was appointed on 1-10-1986still serves the village. In 1961, James Manisbrought the villagers to be converted to RomanChristianity and a church known as St. Patrick'sRoman Catholic Church was established in

Krokong in 1962. However, a primary schoolcalled Sekolah Rendah Bantuan St. Patrick wasestablished much earlier in 1951. In 2000, therewere 86 houses and 445 inhabitants at KampungBlimbin.

(b) Kampung ButafKampung Bijongan

After its establishment, Kampung Blimbin wasprosperous and population multiplied. In 1975,Mesok ak Nusok led 9 families out of Kampung

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Blimbin and they moved over to their Plamanjfarmland where they established a newsettlement along a river called Sungai Buta. Theycalled the new village Kampung Buta. In theolden days, a man was attacked by his enemyand he was made blind in a river. Hence, the riverwas called Sungai Buta (Blind River). Mesok akNusok became the first headman in 1980,followed by the present Tua Kampung Juhed akGindey who was appointed on 1-1-2000 and heis still serving the village with 50 houses and 210people. In the year 2000, during a village meetingat Kampung Buta, it was decided to change thename of Kampung Buta which literally means"blind people village" to "Bijongan". The word"Bijongan" in Bidayuh dialect means"beautiful". Hence, "Kampung Bijongan" means"Beautiful village".

(c) KampungPedaun Bawah

In 1960, a group of 20 families headed by Simatak Nyangun left Kampung Blimbin and theymoved over to a river called Sungai Pedaunwhere they formed a new village known asKampung Pedaun Bawah within their ownPlamanj farming land. Simat ak Nyangun waslater appointed as the first headman forKampung Pedaun Bawah by the ColonialGovernment of Sarawak and followed by Simotak Nyangun. In 1970, a primary school knownas Sekolah Kebangsaan Pedaun Bawah wasestablished in the village. In July 2000,Abu Aminwho married to Nosen ak Teruk brought 4families from Kampung Pedaun Bawah to beconverted to Muslims. A Muslim Surau called

Surau Al Falah was built at Kampung PedaunBawah. The present Tua Kampung is T.K. Chipokak Laip who was appointed on 16-7-2001 andhe is looking after 35 houses with a populationof 180 people in the village.

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In 1998, when the ChiefMinister of Sarawak, YAB(Dr) Datuk Patinggi Tan SriAbdul Taib Mahmud

declared open the SALCRAoil palm scheme in the area,he proposed the name ofKampung Monggak to bechanged to "KampungBijuray" which literallymeans" a place where peoplegroup together for meeting".Hence, with effect from 1998,

the name of Kampung Monggak was changedto Kampung Bijuray.

(d) Kampung Monggak/KampungBiiurav

a ne~\ settlement calledKampung Monggak. Dueto favourable conditions,the vlllagers buIlt 15individual houses around

Sungal Monggak. In 1993, aRoman Catholic Church wasestablished in the area for the

Christians of both KampungPedaun Bawah and KampungMonggak to worship there.The pioneer Baki ak Jowanwas appointed as theheadman for KampungMonggak on 1-9-1994 and heis still serving the village.Based on 2000 census, therewere 68 houses with a

population of 350 peoplestaying at KampungMonggak Bijuray.

(e) Kampung KamanKampung MonggakjBijuray is a new village. In1992, Baki ak Jowan led 15 families out ofKampung Pedaun Bawah and moved over to ariver called Sungai Monggak where they formed

As far back as 1969, a group of 10 families led byNadot ak Sirul started paddy farming along

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Sungai Kaman. After they had established theirPlamanj farming land there, they formed a newvillage called Kampung Kaman in 1980 and thepioneer Nadot ak Sirul was appointed as theheadman for the newly formed KampungKaman on 11-7-1980. According to T.K. Nadotak Sirul, the name "Kaman" actually was thename of an old man who had skin disease. Heused to take the bath at the river and, hence, atthe later stage, whoever went to the river wouldcall the place Sungai Kaman. Hence, the villagewas known as Kampung Kaman. Based on 2000census, "Kampung Kaman has 45 individualhouses with a population of 359 people.

(2) Gunung Krokong Settlements

After settling down at Kampung GunungKrokong sometime in 1843, one row oflonghouse with a Baruk was built there. Slowly,another row of longhouse was constructed tomeet the increasing population of the village. Inearly 1930, there were 4 longhouses consistingof 5 doors, 5 doors, 5 doors and 2 doors eachbeing established at the Gunung Krokong.

(a) Kampung Pisa

When the land on the top of Gunung Krokongwas limited for village expansion, the first groupof 4 families led by Medilleft Kampung GunungKrokong in 1930. They moved over to PlamanTarik where they stayed for 10 years. However,during Second World War in 1941, the Japanesearmy put up an army camp at Plaman Tarik.Then, the Bidayuh staying there had to shift toSungai Pedeh where they built a new settlement.Due to constant flooding at Sungai Pedehespecially during rainy days, the group decidedto leave their settlement at Sungai Pedeh. In 1950,they abandoned the settlement and moved thewhole village to the present Kampung Pisa. The

Sungai Kaman. After they had established theirPlaman/ farming land there, they formed a newvillage called Kampung Kaman in 1980 and thepioneer Nadot ak Sirul was appointed as theheadman for the newly formed KampungKaman on 11-7-1980. According to T.K. Nadotak Sirul, the name "Kaman" actually was thename of an old man who had skin disease. Heused to take the bath at the river and, hence, at

the later stage, whoever went to the river wouldcall the place Sungai Kaman. Hence, the villagewas known as Kampung Kaman. Based on 2000census,oKampung Kaman has 45 individualhouses with a population of 359 people.

(2) Gunung Krokong Settlements

After settling down at Kampung GunungKrokong sometime in 1843, one row oflonghouse with a Baruk was built there. Slowly,another row of longhouse was constructed tomeet the increasing population of the village. Inearly 1930, there were 4 longhouses consistingof 5 doors, 5 doors, 5 doors and 2 doors eachbeing established at the Gunung Krokong.

(a) Kampung Pisa

When the land on the top of Gunung Krokongwas limited for village expansion, the first groupof 4 families led by Medilleft Kampung GunungKrokong in 1930. They moved over to PlamanTarik where they stayed for 10 years. However,during Second World Warin 1941, the Japanesearmy put up an army camp at Plaman Tarik.Then, the Bidayuh staying there had to shift toSungai Pedeh where they built a new settlement.Due to constant flooding at Sungai Pedehespecially during rainy days, the group decidedto leave their settlement at Sungai Pedeh. In 1950,they abandoned the settlement and moved thewhole village to the present Kampung Pisa. The

word "Pisa" in Bidayuh dialect is the name of akind of bamboo in the area. In 1954, James Manis

brought the villagers to embrace to Christianity.In 1958, Saweng ak Medil was appointed as thefirst headman of Kampung Pisa by the ColonialGovernment of Sarawak. In 1991, when Sawengak MediI passed away, Ahsey ak Rani becamethe second headman on 1-7-1985 and he is still

serving in the village. In 2000, there were 61houses with a population of 302 people stayingat Kampung Pisa.

(b) Kampung PuakI

illl:IiIISometime in 1960s, Majing @Majim ak Pitot led

20 families out of Kampung Gunung Krokongand moved over to a river called Sungai Puakwhere they created a new farming land/ Plamanfor padi cultivation. The pioneer Majing @Majimak Pitot was appointed as the first headman on1-7-1980 and he is still serving Kampung Puakuntil today. Slowly more families came downfrom Gunung Krokong to join the group atKampung Puak. In 1980, when Kampung Puakwas fully established, there were 34 families inthe village. In 1982, a primary school known asSekolah Kebangsaan Puak was established at theKampung so that the children could attend theirprimary education. The villagers remained aspagans for more than 20 years. Around 1983,Kulim ak Taen headed a group of villagers toaccept Roman Catholic Christianity in thevillage. Based on 2000 census, there were 56houses with a population of 231 people stayingat Kampung Puak.

Kampung Puak is the home village of Dr.PatauRubis, the former Member of Council Negeri forTasik Biru, former Member of Parliamant for MasGading and former State Assistant Minister forFinance and Utilities who was born there on

21-3-1946 but brought up at Kampung Blimbin.

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(c) Kampung Batu Sepit

In 1959, only 2 longhouses left in KampungGunung Krokong. Under the leadership ofNoyak ak Semon, a group of 17 families left theold viIlage at Gunung Krokong and settled downat the surrounding area at Batu Sepit. In theolden days, there was a small footpath passingthrough a very narrow rocky passage. Hence, theplace was named "Batu Sepit" which means"Narrow rocky passage". However, in 1957, thenarrow rocky passage was blasted for theconstruction of Baul Krokong Road. Accordingto Tua Kampung Noyak ak Semon whom Iinterviewed on 30-3-2001, he said that from 1959until 1980, Kampung Batu Sepit was still underthe administration of Tua Kampung Regus @Regas of Kampung Gunung Krokong. Noyak akSemon was officially appointed as the firstheadman of Kampung Batu Sepit on 1-7-1980and he is still holding the post. In 1970, WilliamBihai led the villagers to accept Roman CatholicChristianity. There were 67 houses and 425people staying at Kampung Batu Sepit in 2000.

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(d) Kampung Gunung Krokong Peros

At the later part of 1959, Caduo ak Regus broughtthe remaining 20 families at Kampung GunungKrokong down to the plain and established anew settlement at Sungai Peros. They called thesettlement Kampung Gunung Krokong Peros.After the establishment of Kampung KrokongPeros, the old settlement at Gunung Krokongwas abandoned. They built a 20-door longhouseat the new settlement but in 2001, there was onlya 3-door longhouse left at Kampung GunungKrokong Peros in the midst of individual houses.Caduo ak Regus was appointed as the firstheadman for Kampung Gunung Krokong Peroson 1-7-1980 and he is still serving the village.Kampung Gunung Krokong Peros has becomethe "Kampung Contoh" in Bau District. It wasselected as a Kampung Contoh at village levelin 1986, at district level in 1997 and at DivisionalLevel in 1998. A project fund worth RM18,0001-was awarded by the Government to KampungPeros and the money was used for theconstruction of a new community hall in thevillage. In the 1950, a primary school known asSt. Patrick's Primary School was established andin 1952,St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church wasbuilt at Krokong. Both the school and the churchwere shared by the people from Kampung Peros,Kampung Pisa, Kampung Batu Sepit, KampungBlimbin and Kampung Kaman. In 2000, therewere 64 houses with a population of 401 peoplestaying at Kampung Krokong Peros.

(c) List of Name of Penghulu inKrokong Area.

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(d) Name of Kampun~ Tua-tua KampuJyear 2000.

In the year 2000, there were altogether 15KampungTringgus/Gumbang areas.

Name of Home Kampung PeriodPenghuluAsong ak Kg. Kaman FromJohar 31.5.1986

until tod

No Name of Kampungs Naml

1. Krokong Peros Cadu

2. Krokong Blimbin Jome!

3. Krokong Bijongan/Buta Juhed

4. Krokong Pis a Ahse'

5. Batu Sepit Noya

6. Krokong Puak Majinak Pit

7. Pedaun Bawah Chipc

8. Krokong Kaman Nadp

9. Bijurayl Monggak Bakia

10. Tringgus Rabak RotanBaru Toe al

11. Tringgus Matan/Nguan SmaJ1

12. Gumbang Keelir

13. Padang Pan Liboh

14. Gumbang Ledan BatanJ

15. Pangkalan Tebang Magie

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(d) Name of Kampun2:s. Tua-tua Kampun2: and Population of Krokonyear 2000.

s Area in the

In the year 2000, there were altogether 15 Kampungs with 951 doors and population of 5,433in KrokongjTringgusjGumbang areas.

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No Name of Kampungs Name of Headman No.of Houses Population

1. Krokong Peros Caduo ak. Regus 64 401

2. Krokong Blimbin Jomet ak Rubis 86 445

3. Krokong Bijonganj Buta Juhed ak. Gindey 50 210

4. Krokong Pis a Ahsey ak Rani 61 302

5. Batu Sepit Noyak ak. Semon 67 425

6. Krokong Puak Majing @Majim 56 231ak Pitol

7. Pedaun Bawah Chipok ak Laip 35 180

8. Krokong Kaman Nadot ak Sirul 45 359

9. Bijurayj Monggak Baki ak Jowan 68 350

10. Tringgus Rabak Rotan Baru Toe akNew 54 400

11. Tringgus Matan j Nguan Sman ak Asem 102 717

12. Gumbang Keelim ak Nilam 120 600

13. Padang Pan Liboh ak. Nawat 61 384

14. Gumbang Ledan Batang ak Najo 52 202

15. Pangkalan Tebang Magie ak Moyah 30 227

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Total 951 5,433

(e) Summary of Movement of Kampungs in Krokong Area

KgGunungKrokon

Kg BatuSepit

KgPeduan

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KrokongCommunity Hall.Photo taken in 1994

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Kg PeduanBawah

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(VIII) GumbangSettlement

(1) HistoricalBackground

The Bidayuhs staying inKampung Gumbang belong toa small group of their own.They were the originalinhabitants staying at RabakJemus near Pangkalan Tebanga long time ago. While stayingat Rabak Jemus, they built a20-door longhouse and aheadhouse (Baruk). Aroundthe foot of Gunung Jemus,they planted a lot of fruit treeswhich are still existing today. The first headmanof Kampung Rabak Jemus was Sanok, followedby Samut, Simulai, Sibeus, Sinamai andSimulang. Today, there are 4 settlements namelyKampung Gumbang, Kampung PangkalanTebang, Kampung Plaman Pan and KampungGumbang Ledan which belong to Gumbanggroup in Bau.

(a) Kampung Gumbang

Sometime in 1800s when Simulang was th~headman, the Bidayuhs staying at Rabak Jemuswere attacked by the enemies from elsewhere.The longhouse and the Head-house were burntdown and many of them were kiIled by theenemies. Those who survived left KampungRabak Jemus. Sasu and Kalos who led 8 familiesmigrated over to the foot of Gunung Api wherethey settled down along Sungai Gumbang. Thenthey called the new settlement KampungGumbang where they built a row of longhouseand a Baruk Head-house. While staying at

Kampung Gumbang, there was a complete peace

(VIII) GumbangSettlement

(1) HistoricalBackground

The Bidayuhs staying inKampung Gumbang belong toa small group of their own.They were the originalinhabitants staying at RabakJemus near Pangkalan Tebanga long time ago. While stayingat Rabak Jemus, they built a20-door longhouse and aheadhouse (Baruk). Aroundthe foot of Gunung Jemus,they planted a lot of fruit treeswhich are still existing today. The first headmanof Kampung Rabak Jemus was Sanok, followedby Samut, Simulai, Sibeus, Sinamai andSimulang. Today, there are 4 settlements namelyKampung Gumbang, Kampung PangkalanTebang, Kampung Plaman Pan and KampungGumbang Ledan which belong to Gumbanggroup in Bau.

(a) Kampung Gumbang

Sometime in 1800s when Simulang was theheadman, the Bidayuhs staying at Rabak Jemuswere attacked by the enemies from elsewhere.The longhouse and the Head-house were burntdown and many of them were killed by theenemies. Those who survived left KampungRabak Jemus. Sasu and Kalos who led 8 familiesmigrated over to the foot of Gunung Api wherethey settled down along Sungai Gumbang. Thenthey called the new settlement KampungGumbang where they built a row of longhouseand a Baruk Head-house. While staying atKampung Gumbang, there was a complete peace

and population increased. There was a group ledby Kobang Koma who migrated from RabakMikabuh, Penrissen to Kampung Gumbang.They settled down together with the group ledby Sasu and Kalos from Rabak Jemus. Kedat wasappointed as the first Orang Kaya (TuaKampung) for Kampung Gumbang by theBrunei Authority in 1830s, followed by Murung,Bisak, Kitong, Singaw, Sakup, Ahem ak Nayang,Johed and the present headman, T.K. Keelim akNilam who was appointed on 7-9-1995. On 25-11-1845, when Hugh Low visited KampungGumbang, he described that the village had sixtyhouses built in several rows and had two

Headhouses (Baruks). During the visit of HughLow, Bisak was the Orang Kaya (Tua Kampung)of Kampung Gumbang.

Since the establishment of Kampung Gumbang,the Bidayuh Gumbang continued to practisetheir old pagan Adats. In 1923, there were 3Baruks known as Baruk Luban, Baruk Namuhand Baruk Dieg being established at KampungGumbang. Today, there is one Baruk Namuh left

Abandoned

RabakJemusSettlementnearPangkalanTebang

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at the village for the remaining pagan villagersto conduct their Adats there. In 1959, a primaryschool known as Sekolah Rendah KerajaanGumbang was established at KampungGumbang. However, the name of the school wasknown as Sekolah Kebangsaan Gumbang witheffect from 1997. In 1979, Roman CatholicChristianity started to extend its influence to thevillage. A group of the villagers were convertedto Roman Catholic Christianity and a churchknown as St. Nicholas's Roman Catholic wasbuilt in 1986. In 2001, there were more than 50%of the Bidayuh Gumbang still believing the oldpagan Adat. In 2000, there were 120 houses and600 people staying at Kampung Gumbang.

Baruk Namuh was built sometime in the year1950. It has a square base of 40 feet and with aconical roof. The roofing originally made ofAttap was replaced with zinc sheets by theBritish Army during Malaysiaj IndonesiaConfrontation i~ 1963. The Baruk sitting on piles

is about 8 feet from the

ground. The floor ismade of bamboo stripsand the planks andbamboo strips are usedfor the walling. Insidethe Baruk, there is afireplace at the centre.Three So bangsmeasuring 20 feet, 16feet and 6 feet long arefound in the house.There are 9 skulls and

some deer horns beingkept in the Headhouse.

In 1980s, it took abouthalf an hour using aLand Cruiser to travelfrom Bau Town

through the gravel road to Kampung Bogag.From Bogag, it took four hours to walk throughthe secondary jungle and farmland to reachKampung Gumbang. Today, one can drive a carthrough the 23-kilometre road from Bau toKampung Gumbang in half an hour's time.

(b) Kampung PangkaIan Tebang

The increase of population and the shortage offarming land around the foot of Gunung Apicaused the migration of the people fromKampung Gumbang. Sometime in 1930, Barungak .Sayon led a small group from KampungGumbang and settled down at PangkalanTebang. During Second World War from 1941-1945, Japanese army was stationed in the area tomine mercury at Gunung Tading. Nyaung akSayon who stayed around the area was asked toclear the landing place. In Bidayuh dialect,"Pangkalan Tebang" means "cleared landingplace". Today, Kampung Pangkalan Tebang is a

~

mixed group of the Bidayuhs from Gumbanland Tringgus. In 1988, there were only 10 house:with a population of 56 people but in the yea]2000, the number of houses had increased to 5~with a population of 301 and the presenlheadman is T.K. Magie ak Moyah who wa~appointed since 10-10-1986. There is a smal]bazaar known as Pangkalan Tebang Bazaarestablished at the side of the village.

(c) Kampung Plaman Pan

Kampung Plaman Pan is a new village. In 1974,a group of 15 families headed by Langu ak Sedonmoved down from Kampung Gumbang andsettled down on the lowland at KampungPIaman Pan. The word "Pan" in Bidayuh dialectmeans "Earthworm" because there were a lot of

earthworms in Plaman Pan in those days. In1975,Ahem ak Nayang was appointed as the firstheadman of Kampung Plaman Pan and Libohak Nawat became the second Tua Kampung witheffect from 9-6-1987. In 1984, a Head-hous~(Baruk) was built in the village so that the paganvillagers could practise their old pagan Adats.In 1984, a group headed by Mikol ak Minyoi ofKampung Plaman Pan embraced RomanCatholic Christianity and in 1986, a chapelknown as St. Gonzaro Garagga Church wasestablished in the village. Based on 2000 census,Kampung Plaman Pan had 61 houses and witha population of 384.

(d) Kampung Gumbang Ledan

Kampung Gumbang Ledan is also a new village.In 1976, another group led by Reka ak Nyoungmoved over to the foot of Gunung Ledan alongthe present BaujPangkalan Tebang Road. Theybuilt individual houses and, hence, theyestablished a new settlement called KampungGumbang Ledan. In 1992 when the village was

mixed group of the Bidayuhs from Gumbangand Tringgus. In 1988, there were only 10 houseswith a population of 56 people but in the year2000, the number of houses had increased to 59with a population of 301 and the presentheadman is T.K. Magie ak Moyah who wasappointed since 10-10-1986. There is a smallbazaar known as Pangkalan Tebang Bazaarestablished at the side of the village.

(c) Kampung Plaman Pan

Kampung Plaman Pan is a new village. In 1974,a group of 15 families headed by Langu ak Sedonmoved down from Kampung Gumbang andsettled down on the lowland at KampungPlaman Pan. The word "Pan" in Bidayuh dialectmeans "Earthworm" because there were a lot ofearthworms in Plaman Pan in those days. In1975,Ahem ak Nayang was appointed as the firstheadman of Kampung Plaman Pan and Libohak Nawat became the second Tua Kampung witheffect from 9-6-1987. In 1984, a Head-house

(Baruk) was built in the village so that the paganvillagers could practise their old pagan Adats.In 1984, a group headed by Mikol ak Minyoi ofKampung PIa man Pan embraced RomanCatholic Christianity and in 1986, a chapelknown as St. Gonzaro Garagga Church wasestablished in the village. Based on 2000 census,Kampung Plaman Pan had 61 houses and witha population of 384.

(d) Kamvune Gumbane Ledan

Kampung Gumbang Ledan is also a new village.In 1976, another group led by Reka ak Nyoungmoved over to the foot of Gunung Ledan alongthe present BaujPangkalan Tebang Road. Theybuilt individual houses and, hence, theyestablished a new settlement called KampungGumbang Ledan. In 1992 when the village was

~

fully established, Batang ak Najo was appointedas the headman of Kampung Gumbang Ledanon 1-11-1998. Based on 2000 census, there were25 houses with a population of 202 staying atKampung Gumbang Ledan.

(e) Summary of Movements ofKampungs in Gumbang Area

Kg PlamanPan

Bung RabakJemus

KampungGumbang

KampungGumbang

KampungGumDang

Ledan

KampungPangkalan

Teban

(mixed groupwith Tringgus)

(IX) Tringgus Settlement

(a) Historical Backeround

The Bidayuh of Tringgus is among the smallestgroup in Bau District. According to Ex-TuaKampung Yasi ak Abong, the Bidayuh Tringguswere the original inhabitants of KampungTringgus Rayawhich was established at the footof Gunung Sibelih along the border line betweenSarawak and Kalimantan Barat Indonesia a long

time ago. They built a longhouse and one Head-house (Baruk) in Kampung Tringgus Raya. Theold settlement is two hours on foot from

Kampung Tringgus Rabak Rotan at SungaiPedeh, Sarawak. In 1847, Noel Dension who was

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the Assistant Resident of Upper Sarawak visitedKampung Tringgus. He commented that theBaruk of Kampung Tringgus was small and dirty.In the past, there were a lot of intermarriagestaken place between the Bidayuh of Tringgusand the Bidayuh from Gahung of KalimantanBarat, Indonesia. In actual fact, the Bidayuhstaying at Tringgus was a mixed group ofTringgus and Gahung. The first Orang Kaya (TuaKampung) was Ruwen. There were altogetherseven headmen being appointed from Ruwenuntil the present, Tua Kampung Toe ak New,who was appointed in 1999 and he is still servingas the headman in the village.

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- (b) Movementof Kampungs

In 1825, Bai Upet and his family left KampungTringgus Raya to look for new farming land. Theywent to Gahung where they stayed for a while.After that they moved to Pibi and finally theysettled down at Semban Hill in Padawan area

where they created anew village known asKampung Sembansometime in 1830s. This

was the first migration ofthe Bidayuh fromKampung TringgusRaya to other areabeyond Bau District.

...

Up-River Agent Nain ak Reka on the left withAuthor on the right.Photo taken in front of Kampung Tringgus Baruk

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increase of populationand shortage of farmingland around GunungSibelih, the whole groupled by Siak abandonedKampung TringgusRaya and they migratedfurther inside the

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created new settlements in the following areas:-

(1) Kampung Tringgus Sang,

(2) Kampung Tringgus Matang,

(3) Kampung Tringgus Wak, and

(4) Kampung Plaman Pasoh.

In July 1953, Peter Howes and his group on theirway back from Sungkung, Kalimantan Barat,Indonesia did pass through Tringgus area. Theyspent a night at Tringgus Bering which hedescribed, "Not really a village but a cluster offive or six huts inhabited by people fromTringgus who wanted better farming land". Thefollowing day, they passed through KampungTringgus, he said, "the Land Dayak longhouse,sprawling high on the slope which had beenover-farmed and was now a sea of Imperatagrass. There was hardly a soul in the longhouse.It was a lonely spot and all around a Penineemptiness" (Howes p.250). In 1963, during theMalaysia/Indonesia confrontation, there were,many communists' subversive activities alongSarawak/Indonesia Border especially aroundTringgus area. The Bidayuh Tringgus had beenthreatened to supply food and provide shelterto the communists. Upon the advice of theMalaysian Army and on the ground of security,Tua Kampung Yasi ak Abong led the Bidayuhsfrom all the four Kampungs to Sedoh where theyestablished one settlement for all the four

villages known as Kampung Tringgus Sedoh.When the Malaysia/Indonesia confrontationwas over and peace was restored along the,border areas, the Bidayuh at Kampung TringgusSedoh split into 3 groups and moved out of thevillage in 1979. They established KampungTringgus Bong along Sungai Bong, Kampung

created new settlements in the following areas:-

(1) Kampung Tringgus Sang,

(2) Kampung Tringgus Matang,

(3) Kampung Tringgus Wak, and

(4) Kampung Plaman Pasoh.

In July 1953, Peter Howes and his group on theirway back from Sungkung, Kalimantan Barat,Indonesia did pass through Tringgus area. Theyspent a night at Tringgus Bering which hedescribed, "Not really a village but a cluster offive or six huts inhabited by people fromTringgus who wanted better farming land". Thefollowing day, they passed through KampungTringgus, he said, "the Land Dayak longhouse,sprawling high on the slope which had beenover-farmed and was now a sea of Imperatagrass. There was hardly a soul in the longhouse.It was a lonely spot and all around a Penineemptiness" (Howes p.250). In 1963, during theMalaysia/Indonesia confrontation, there weremany communists' subversive activities alongSarawak/Indonesia Border especially aroundTringgus area. The Bidayuh Tringgus had beenthreatened to supply food and provide shelterto the communists. Upon the advice of theMalaysian Army and on the ground of security,Tua Kampung Yasi ak Abong led the Bidayuhsfrom all the four Kampungs to Sedoh where theyestablished one settlement for all the four

villages known as Kampung Tringgus Sedoh.When the Malaysia/Indonesia confrontationwas over and peace was restored along theborder areas, the Bidayuh at Kampung TringgusSedoh split into 3 groups and moved out of thevillage in 1979. They established KampungTringgus Bong along Sungai Bong, Kampung

Ii "II

I

:1; IIIII ~.

Tringgus Rabak Rotan where there are a lot ofRotan on the flatland and Kampung TringgusAwarn along Sungai Awam. Atthe moment, TuaKampung Toe ak New who was appointed on1-5-1997 is looking after the village affair ofKampung Tringgus Baru (Bong) and KampungTringgus Rabak Rotan whereas KampungTringgus Matan/Nguan (Awam) is under thecare of Tua Kampung Seman ak Asem who wasappointed on 1-7-1980. In 1980, the Governmentbuilt a primary school known as SK Tringgus inthe village so that the children could receive theprimary education in their own Kampung.

Traditionally, Tringgus settlement is a paganarea. However, in 1990, a group of Bidayuh ledby Sylvester Bungas were converted to RomanCatholic Christianity and a church known as St.Sylvester's Roman Catholic Church was built.Today, there are 40% of the Bidayuh Tringguswho are still pagans believing in the old Adat. Anew eight-sided Head-house (Baruk) was rebuiltat Kampung Tringgus Rotan in 1991and it is stillwell maintained by the pagan group. Based on2000 census, there were 54 houses with apopulation of 400 people staying at KampungTringgus Rabak Rotan Baru whereas there were102 houses with a population of 717 people livingat Kampung Tringgus Matan/Nguan.

In the olden days until 1980s, it took about halfan hour by car to travel on a gravel road fromBau Town to Krokong and from Krokong, it tookalmost four hours by longboat to reachPangkaIan Tebang. From Pangkalan Tebang, ittook another three hours on foot to KampungTringgus Rabak Rotan. Today, it takes about halfan hour to travel by car through the 23-kilometretar-sealed road from Bau Town to KampungTringgus Rabak Rotan.

II1II

III

I

I~ jllil

rlu 111'1 IIt

IIII~II

209

II

(c) Summary of the Movement of Kampungs in Tringgus Settlement

The following population data and figures of the Bidayuhs in Bau are collected as far back as 1871 to2000.

210

-,

~

In 1987, Bidayuh population in Bau Districcould be classified into the following areas:-

From the above data, we can analyze thEmovement of Bidayuh population as follows:-According to "Notes on the Land Dayak ojSarawak Proper" by N. Denison, the populatiorof the Land Dayak (Bidayuh) in Bau in 1871 waE4,852. (Denison, 5). The details are as follows:-

Tringgus h KgSang Tringgus

BongI I I

Tringgus

I Matang I

HTringgus m Kg

TringgusH Tringgus

RayaI I

SedohRabak Rotan

Tringgus

(GunungI I Wak

Sibelih) IKg

PlamanTringgus

Pasoh Awam

IKampungSemban

(Padawan)

(X) Bidayuh Population in Bau

Year Population Annual Growth RemarksRate (%)

1871 4,852 - Sarawak Gazette No. 124dated 10.10.1876(P.6.)

1947 9,525 1.0% Figure based on 1947Census Report (P.81)

1960 13,057 2.4% Figure based on 1960Census Report (P.121)

1970 18,586 3.5% Figure based on 1970 Census Report (P.97)

1980 21420 1.3% Figure based on 1986Sarawak Annual Statistic Bulletin (P.13)

1987 22,423 0.8% Based on locality data collected by Statistics Dept., Sarawak as at 1987

1991 23,413 Based on 1991 Census Report

2000 29,215 Based on Yearbook of Statistics 2001Sarawak

No. Area No. of PopulationHouses

1. Bratak 776 4,989

2. Singai 966 4,924

3. Krokong 333 1,676

4. Jagoi 789 3,816

5. Serembu 813 5,606

6. Others 272 1,412

Total: 3,949 22,423

No. Area Population

1. Serembu 954

2. Singai 1,108

3. Sauh (Bratak and 1,446

Jagoi areas)

4. Gumbang 867

5. Tringgus 477

Total: 4,852

From the above data, we can analyze themovement of Bidayuh population as follows:-According to "Notes on the Land Dayak ofSarawak Proper" by N. Denison, the populationof the Land Dayak (Bidayuh) in Bau in 1871 was4,852. (Denison, 5). The details are as follows:-

There was no further record on the populationof the Bidayuh until 1947. Before Second WorldWar, the increase of Bidayuh population in Bauwas negligible. According to the official report,the Bidayuh population in 1947 was 9,525.Aftera period of 13 years, the population rose to13,057, an increase of 2.4%.This was mainly dueto the fact that after Second World War, there wasa period of peace conducive to populationgrowth and there were some migrations of theBidayuh from Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia to theBidayuh villages along the border. In between1960-1970, there was a greater increase of 5,529persons, an annual increase of 3.5%.The increasecould be contributed to the fact that the Bidayuhswere more settled down. However; in between1970- 1980, there was an increase of only 2,629persons, an increase of 1.3% per annum andbetween 1980- 1987, there was an increase of1,203 persons, an increase of 0.8% only. This wasmainly due to the urban migration of BauBidayuhs to other places especially onemployment in government and private sectors.In 1991, based on Census record, there were23,413 Bidayuhs in Bau District. However, from1999 to 2000, there was a great increase of 5,802Bidayuhs population up to 29,215 based onYearbook of Statistics 2001 Sarawak.

In 1987, Bidayuh population in Bau Districtcould be classified into the following areas:-

-No. I Area I No.of

I PopulationHouses

1. I Bratak I 776 4,989

2. I Singai 966 4,924

3. I Krokong 333 1,676

4. I Jagoi 789 3,816

5. I Serembu 813 5,606

6. I Others 272 1,412

Total: 3,949 22,423

No. I Area I Population-1.

I Serembu

954

2. Singai 1,108

3. I Sauh (Bratakand 1,446

Jagoi areas)4. I Gumbang 867

5. I Tringgus 477

Total: 4,852