Rentap facts for kids

Rentap (born Libau anak Ningkan; 1800–1863) was a brave Iban warrior and hero from Sarawak, which is now part of Malaysia. He lived during the time of the first White Rajah, James Brooke. His special name, Rentap Tanah, Runtuh Menua, means 'Earth-tremor, World-shaker' in the Iban language. Rentap's famous saying was: "Agi idup, Agi ngelaban", which means "Still alive, still fighting". This showed his strong spirit and determination.

Becoming a Warrior Hero

Rentap was born in the Skrang area of Sarawak. His parents, Ningkan and Imbong, named him Libau anak Ningkan. Not much is known about his early life until he became a manok sabong, which means a lead warrior or 'fighting cock'. He was chosen for this important role by a powerful chief named Orang Kaya Pemancha Dana "Bayang" (often called OKP Dana Bayang).

Dana Bayang taught Rentap many things about fighting and leading. Rentap joined Dana Bayang on big ngayau (headhunting) trips, which were common at that time. They traveled from southern Sarawak all the way to the Kapuas River in what is now Indonesia. As Dana Bayang got older, Rentap took over as the main leader. He led many sea expeditions, raiding places like Sambas and Pontianak in Indonesia. During one raid, Rentap famously took a special dagger (called a keris) with a golden handle from a powerful enemy. This made him well-known among the Iban-Dayak Skrang people as a great war chief.

The White Rajah Arrives

James Brooke (1803–1868) was born in India. He was a soldier before he retired and bought a ship called the Royalist. In 1839, Brooke arrived in Kuching, Sarawak. He helped the Sultan of Brunei stop a rebellion. Because of his help, the Sultan made Brooke the governor of Sarawak in 1841. The next year, Brooke gained full control of Sarawak, becoming the first White Rajah.

Brooke put Malay chiefs back in charge of their people to help him rule. He was very good at stopping piracy, which was a big problem in the area. While Brooke was away fighting pirates, his enemies became bolder. A leader named Sharif Sahib gathered many Arab and Dayak warriors. They raided along the coast. Brooke returned and surprised one group, capturing their war boats.

Later, two British ships, H.M.S. Dido and Phlegethon, arrived. They decided to attack the Arab leaders first, then the Dayaks along the Skrang River.

Battles with the Iban of Saribas

In June 1843, James Brooke and Captain Henry Keppel led a group to attack the Iban Dayak people of Saribas. They wanted to stop the Iban from raiding along the coast.

OKP Dana Bayang's longhouse (a very long traditional house where many families live) at Nanga Padeh was very strong. It had two forts and a barrier of fallen trees that made it hard for enemies to enter the Batang Saribas River. Brooke's forces attacked and burned this longhouse on June 11, 1843. Dana Bayang was old, so his three sons, Nanang, Luyoh, and Aji, led the fight.

Brooke's forces continued up the Saribas River. They attacked other forts belonging to chiefs like Linggir Mali Lebu, Rekaya Antau, and Rekaya Gun. After these defeats, some chiefs were asked to sign a peace treaty. However, the treaty meant they had to stop ngayau (headhunting), which they refused to do.

Fighting at Batang Lupar and Undop

In August 1844, Brooke and Keppel forced out the Arab leaders. They destroyed Sharif Sahib's stronghold and captured another leader, Pengiran Indera Mahkota. During a battle at upper Undop, a white officer named Charles Wade was killed. This was the first time a white man was killed by the local people in Sarawak. After these battles, Brooke decided to make peace with the Iban Dayaks of Skrang and planned to attack Rentap.

The Battle of Kerangan Peris

On August 19, 1844, Rentap first fought against Brooke's forces at Karangan Peris in the Skrang area. Rentap set a trap for Brooke's scouting group. He had many war boats and thousands of men hidden on both sides of the river, ready with spears and blowpipes. Boats and bamboo rafts blocked the river, making it hard for Brooke's men to escape. The white leader, Mr. Stewart, a Malay chief, and 30 of their men were killed. Another 56 were wounded. This battle showed Brooke's officers how fierce the Iban warriors could be.

A week later, a Skrang chief came to Captain Keppel, saying that the other chiefs wanted peace.

The Battle of Beting Maru

In 1849, the Iban from Saribas and Skrang joined forces to attack people living near the Batang Rajang river. Brooke quickly used his warship to surprise them when they returned. As the Iban boats reached the Beting Maru sandbar, they were hit by cannon fire. Some Iban escaped by running overland. Two main boats bravely attacked Brooke's ship but were pushed back and escaped into the Saribas River. Brooke's forces chased them. At the Battle of Nanga Peka, Brooke's forces suffered losses, including three sons of their Iban chief. After this, Brooke's forces returned to Kuching and sent a message asking the Iban to surrender. Meanwhile, the Skrang boats tried to escape to the Batang Lupar river, but Brooke's ship, the Nemesis, was waiting for them.

Sarawak Grows Stronger

Fort at Nanga Skrang

After Linggir's defeat in 1850, Brooke built a fort called Fort James at the meeting point of the Batang Skrang and Batang Lupar rivers. This fort stopped Rentap's warriors from joining other groups and blocked their way to the South China Sea, where they used to raid coastal villages. The fort helped keep peace, but it also stopped those who didn't follow Brooke's rule from getting important things like sea salt.

In response, Rentap and his followers moved further upriver to the headwaters of the Saribas and Skrang rivers. There, they built a strong fort on a mountain ridge near the Sungai Lang River.

The Battle of Lintang Batang

In 1853, Rentap gathered his men to attack the fort at Nanga Skrang. He wanted to open the way to the South China Sea. William Brereton, who was in charge of the fort, learned of Rentap's plan and called for help from Alan Lee. Lee arrived quickly with some men. Lee wanted Brereton to defend the fort, but Brereton insisted on defending a smaller fort he had built upriver.

Brereton and Lee were tricked into fighting on the open river, where Rentap's heavy war boats attacked them. Brereton's boat sank, and he swam to the riverbank. Lee fought on but was killed and beheaded by Rentap's son-in-law, Layang. Lee's head was famously called Pala Tuan Lee ti mati rugi (Lee's head who died lost). Heavy fire from the small fort forced Rentap's warriors to retreat. Then, a rival chief who supported the White Rajah attacked Rentap's retreating forces. Twenty longhouses belonging to Rentap and his followers were burned.

Peace Talks That Failed

Brooke managed to get some Iban chiefs, like Orang Kaya Gasing, to support him. In December 1853, Rentap and Bulan Apai Jelani agreed to meet Brooke for peace talks on the Skrang River. Rentap strongly disliked the white men, while Jelani was neutral, waiting to see who would win. Brooke brought his nephew, Charles Brooke, who would later become Rentap's main enemy. Despite several meetings, they couldn't agree on anything. Rentap, the chief of the upper Skrang Iban, swore he would never meet the white men for peace talks again.

The Fight Continues

The Battle of Sungai Lang

Rentap and his followers kept making their fort at Sungai Lang stronger. This fort was on a hill at the headwaters of the Skrang River. It had steep slopes and thick walls made of strong stakes.

In August 1854, Rajah James Brooke led a large group of about 7,000 Dayak and Malay warriors from Kuching up the Skrang River. Because he was not well, Brooke stayed behind to protect their boats. His nephew, Captain John Johnson-Brooke, led the attack, joined by his younger brother Charles Brooke and other English officers.

They marched for four days to reach Rentap's fort and began their attack. They fired cannons and rockets at the fort. Rentap's forces fired back with a small cannon and shouted their war-cries: Agi bedarah, agi ngelaban ('Still bleeding, still fighting') and Agi idup, agi ngelaban ('Still living, still fighting'). Later that day, women and children were seen fleeing from the fort.

As the sun set, a Malay chief from Brooke's side attacked the fort. His warriors broke through the walls and jumped inside. About 50 to 60 of Rentap's warriors ran away, using their shields for protection. Rentap himself was said to have been wounded and carried away by his warriors to a second, even stronger fort on the top of Sadok Hill.

Rentap's Stronghold at Sadok Hill

Rentap's fort on Sadok Hill was thought to be impossible to conquer by the Iban Dayaks. In their legends, Sadok Hill was seen as a magical, unreachable mountain, protected by legendary heroes.

Rentap gathered all the Iban Dayaks who were loyal to him. He was given the title "Raja Ulu" (King of Upriver), and Sadok Hill became the main place for everyone who opposed the White Rajah. The fort was about 2,725 feet above sea level and very hard to reach because of the cliffs. Rentap was sure his fort was unbreakable. The Iban Dayaks would boast: "The White Men are powerful with their ships at sea, but only we, the Iban Dayak, can walk and fight on land and climb mountains."

Brooke Attacks Rentap's Allies

In April 1857, Charles Brooke attacked Aji and OKP Nanang (sons of Dana Bayang) because they supported Rentap and attacked people who had joined the Sarawak government. After a short fight, Aji and Nanang's longhouses were burned.

Charles Brooke continued to convince chiefs to join the White Rajah's rule. He rewarded them with trade and built forts to protect them. This also stopped Rentap's followers from reaching the South China Sea. Aji, however, kept trying to get warriors to fight against the Sarawak government, which was growing stronger.

First Attack on Sadok Hill

On June 2, 1857, Charles Brooke led a large group of 3,500 Dayaks and 500 Malays to attack Rentap at Sadok Hill. By June 8, they were building a temporary fort near Rentap's position.

Rentap's fort was very strong. It was surrounded by cliffs, and its walls were made of hard ironwood planks that bullets couldn't get through. Inside, Rentap's warriors had a platform to shoot from, covering the only narrow path to the fort. Rentap also had muskets, small cannons, and a swivel-gun that he had captured earlier.

On June 9, more Iban-Dayak warriors came to help Rentap and tried to attack Brooke's camp. Brooke sent men to fight them back and burned their longhouses. Brooke then tried to get his men to storm the Sadok Hill fort at night, but they refused because it was too risky.

On June 15, Brooke's warriors began to attack the fort. They got very close, and Rentap's defenders threw spears and stones, along with using their guns. A Malay leader on Brooke's side was shot while trying to set fire to the wall. Rentap's warriors cheered loudly, and Brooke's group had to pull back.

The next day, Brooke asked for volunteers to attack more longhouses, but no one came forward. Some were sick, and others were low on food. Also, the Iban Dayaks were worried because Brooke had ignored a bad omen (a sign from a bird). So, Brooke and his warriors began to leave the hill, defeated. Rentap, happy with his victory, did not chase them.

When Brooke's group reached their base camp, they found that a flood had washed away their temporary fort and about 70 of their war boats. Some men guarding the boats had drowned. This defeat made Rentap even more popular among the Iban Dayaks, who believed his fort was protected by legendary heroes and could not be taken.

The Conflict Spreads

Death of Aji

Aji, Dana Bayang's third son, continued to fight against those who had joined Brooke. He traveled by land to avoid the fort at Betong. When the Betong fort was finished in 1858, Aji showed his defiance by having his warriors exchange gunfire with the fort's defenders.

In response, Charles Brooke led a force to punish Aji. When they reached the Sungai Langit, Aji suddenly appeared and was shot and killed. The next day, Brooke's force split up. One group went to attack Mujah Buah Raya (Rentap's ally), and the other, led by Brooke, went to attack Sadok Hill again.

Second Attack on Sadok Hill

In 1858, Charles Brooke led the Second Sadok Expedition. They left their boats and supplies at Nanga Tiga and marched up the country. They defeated Mujah Buah Raya, burned his longhouses, and destroyed his rice fields.

The expedition reached the top of Sadok Hill and set up a temporary fort. They fired 50 cannon rounds at Rentap's fort, but it had little effect. Rentap's fort seemed empty, and he didn't fire back. Some of Brooke's men got very close to the fort, and then Rentap's warriors suddenly opened fire.

Some of Brooke's war chiefs begged him to stop, saying they couldn't break through the strong walls. So, they decided to give up the attack. As they retreated, Rentap mocked them, saying, "Bring all your fire guns from England, and we are not afraid of you!" Some shouted, "Agi idup, agi ngelaban!" However, Rentap and his men did not chase them down the hill.

Joining Forces with Sharif Masahor

Luyoh, angry about his brother Aji's death, went to Mukah and talked with Sharif Masahor. Sharif Masahor was planning to rebel against the White Rajah and promised to give gunpowder to other rebels. Luyoh and his brother Nanang tried to build a fort, but it was attacked and destroyed twice.

Luyoh and Nanang then joined Rentap at Sadok Hill. They brought a famous cannon their father had captured, called Bujang Timpang Berang (one-armed bachelor), because one of its handles was broken. (This cannon is now on display at Fort Lily in Betong.)

Luyoh and Nanang built another fort below Rentap's on Sadok Hill. From there, they and Rentap's fighters supported Sharif Masahor's rebellion. In February 1860, Masahor attacked Kuching, the White Rajah's capital. Charles Brooke ambushed and destroyed Masahor's ships. Rentap openly joined Masahor in his defense until Masahor was defeated and sent away in 1861.

Third and Final Attack on Sadok Hill

In September 1861, it was decided that Sarawak forces, led by Charles Brooke, would make a third attack on Sadok Hill. On October 16, 1861, the expedition began. They brought a large twelve-pounder brass cannon that was specially made in Kuching for this attack. This cannon was named Bujang Sadok (Sadok Bachelor). (It is now in the Police Museum in Kuching.)

On October 20, Brooke sent messengers to Nanang and Luyoh. They surrendered to the White Rajah and gave 40 valuable ceramic jars as a sign of their loyalty. Nanang and Luyoh kept their promises, and the jars were returned to them later. When Rentap found out that the brothers had surrendered without telling him, he was very angry and sent men to burn their nearby longhouses.

On October 28, the large cannon was ready. After firing 17 rounds, its support broke, but it had already made big holes in the fort's walls.

Rentap had fired back briefly with his One-armed Bachelor cannon. The story says Rentap's gunner was killed by a shot from the Sadok Bachelor, and his blood made the gunpowder useless.

When Rentap realized he couldn't defend the fort anymore, he told his warriors to leave from the other side of the mountain. Brooke's attackers rushed into the fort through the holes made by the cannon. They found that Rentap and his warriors had escaped, leaving only the dead and dying. They found the weapons Rentap had captured earlier, a lot of gunpowder, and the One-armed Bachelor cannon.

That afternoon, the attackers set the fort on fire. A huge flame and thick black smoke shot into the sky. At dusk, Sadok Hill could be seen burning for many miles away. This marked the end of Libau Rentap's power and his long career as an Iban-Dayak war leader.

Rentap's Final Years and Legacy

Rentap and his warriors did not surrender. They retreated to Bukit Lanjak Entimau and then to Ulu Entabai, where he built another fort at Bukit Stulak. When he stopped fighting, he moved to Karangan Panggil and died of old age in 1863. He was not buried in the usual way. His remains were kept in a special place called a Lumbong, which is a mortuary for Iban-Dayak warriors. Later, his remains were placed inside a jar in a traditional ceremony called Ngerapoh.

Rentap's tomb, the Lumbong, is still there. It is on top of Sibau Hill. His remains were placed in a strong wooden coffin under a shrine after a reburial ceremony in October 1989, called Gawai Ngelombong, which is a traditional hero's burial.

Sir James Brooke, Rentap's main enemy, retired in 1863 due to poor health. He died in England in 1868. His nephew, Sir Charles Brooke, became the next Rajah in 1868.

Rentap's granddaughter, Subang, married Penghulu Dalam Munan Anak Penghulu Minggat. Munan was a loyal Iban-Dayak chief who helped the Sarawak government. It's interesting that Rentap's enemy, the Sarawak government, trusted Munan, who was married to Rentap's granddaughter. Munan was rewarded by becoming the first and only paramount chief with a special title, a salary, an office, and a place on the Sarawak Supreme Council.

The relief representation of Rentap at Rentap Libau Monument in Sarawak.

Libau Rentap was a man of strong principles. He won some battles and lost others, but he never gave up, even when he lost his homeland. He was known as a great Iban-Dayak rebel war leader and survived many attempts to capture him. When he stopped fighting, he swore he would never see a white man again, and he lived until he died naturally. He fought bravely to defend his land and people from invaders until his power was finally broken on October 28, 1861.

His name is remembered in Sarawak and Malaysia as a great Iban-Dayak chief and war leader, and the hero of Sadok Hill. He continues to inspire some Iban Dayaks, especially those who joined the military, like the decorated war heroes Kanang anak Langkau and Awang anak Raweng.

Many heroes in the Malaysian Armed Forces have received the Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB) bravery medal. Of the 21 people who have received it, 14 are Ibans. This shows the strong fighting spirit of the Iban people.

A book about Rentap called Rentap: Warrior, Legend and Enigma was written by James Ritchie and Edmund Langgu Anak Saga.

Images for kids

• James Brooke.jpg

  James Brooke, the first White Rajah of Sarawak.

• Bukit Sadok.jpg

  Bukit Sadok (Sadok Hill), Rentap's famous stronghold.