The Siniawan War 1836-1840

Before returning to Sarawak, James Brooke toured many islands, including the Celebes in Indonesia.

It wasn’t until August 1840 that Brooke returned to Sarawak and found things as he left them. No progress had been made in subduing the rebels. Soon after his arrival, the Sultan sent down one of his ministers.

Some of the Dyaks were enlisted and some returned to the authority of the Sultan. However, one place held out. Mr. Brooke delayed his departure and proceeded to the scene of the hostilities to end the war. It was an attempt to prevent the Malays at Belidah from attacking the Dyaks and to secure a speedy termination of the war.

After some procrastination, they decided to advance against the enemy entrenched in their little forts located just before they reached the town of Siniawan. The strongest of the forts were at the town of Belidah. The structure was situated on the edge of the river on a slight rise and consisted of a large house with a thatched roof and small guns on top of a small hill. The rise consisted of a few lookouts and one or two guns and breast work six or seven feet high. The number of the enemy amounted to less than 500, about half of whom were armed with muskets. Brooke’s armaments consisted of three six pounders and numerous small guns.

Brookes army consisted of 250 Malay, 200 Dyaks and 200 Chinese. The Chinese were excellent workmen, but not good soldiers. They were a “stout, muscular set of men” but not very well armed. They had no guns or muskets. Furthermore, they had “swords, spears and shields together with forty thin, long, iron tubes which were like a musket and carried a slug.”

Powder is poured into one end and the tube is tapped on the ground.  A slug is then added, the tube is tapped on the ground again and sits on top of the powder. The gun is operated by two men, one the carrier and the other the gunner. One holds the tube on his shoulder while the other takes aim, turns his head away and lights a match.

 There were a few brass guns, and there were many smaller guns (swivels) in the boats. A fort was erected about a mile out of sight from the enemy. It provided a commanding view of the enemies entrenchments.

Mr. Brooke proposed that they assault the rebels. The force thought him insane. They had been used to fighting a behind a wall.

The battle started when the rebels advanced with loud shouts. “We are coming, we are coming. Lay aside your armor and fight with swords!”” Come on” was the reply. “We are building a stockade and want to fight you.”

The rebels opened a barrage from Belidah and all the slugs went up into the top of trees.

A heavy rain shower reduced all to inaction.

After the rain, Brooks forces advanced until they were within 300 yards of the enemy. Brooke then sent a couple of six pounder carronades( a short smooth bore cast iron cannon produced by the Carron company) from his vessel. The fort was hit several times, but the enemy dare not venture out. The rebel Malays would not make an assault.” What are you going to do if you don’t make an assault?” Brooke asked.

After some discussion, Brooke returned to his ship with the guns and wanted to leave. The Rajah offered Brooke Sarawak and Siniawan if he would stay. Brooke stayed, and the warfare continued on as before. Mahkota did all he could to avoid an assault on the rebels. One attempt resulted in the army turning back after a charge that took them halfway to the lines.

Fresh forts were built, and Brookes guns were brought upon the town of Siniawan. Brookes small party routed numerous rebels. The rebels showed signs of wanting to give up. A negotiation opened where the rebels surrendered the town of Belidah.

Mahkota wanted to kill all the rebels, but Brooke convinced him not to. They were, however, forced to deliver their guns and property. Siniawan was depopulated, with most of the residents moving to Sarawak. The war had lasted for four years.

The Rajah made Brooke the governor or Rajah of Sarawak. An agreement was drawn up where Brooke would live in Sarawak before receiving the papers of investiture. Brooke proceeded in the Royalist  (his boat) to Singapore, purchased a schooner, the Swift, and returned to Sarawak.

 Mudah Hashim had promised to build him a house while he was in Singapore. The Swift also had a cargo from Singapore for Mahkota. Brooke and three companions waited patiently for the payment. He had also promised to fill the Swift with antimony but only a small amount was loaded on board.

Things came to a head and Brooke showed Mahkota a large force and how the citizens of Sarawak supported him. The payment and investiture was made on 24 September 1841 when Brooke was made Rajah.

From:

The British Quarterly Review 1 May 1848 courtesy of Veronica Chang Schmidt