BARIO: About 100 people attended a ceremony to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Operation Semut in honour of the parachute landing of the special Z Force team in 1945.
Operation Semut became one of the key episodes in Borneo’s World War II history.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Gerawat Gala, said the commemoration provided an opportunity to remember the courage and sacrifices of those involved in the resistance against Japanese forces.
“Operation Semut was carried out by Z Special Unit members who conducted daring missions deep in Borneo’s interior with close cooperation from Sarawak’s indigenous communities.
“Their efforts demonstrated exceptional bravery, resilience, and teamwork under extremely challenging conditions,” he said.
An UKAS report quoted him as stating this during the 81st Commemoration of the Operation Semut Parachute Landing 1945 at Bario, organised by Rurum Kelabit Sarawak on Saturday (March 28).
He emphasised that the support of local communities, in terms of protection, area guidance, and logistics, was a crucial factor in the operation’s success.
According to him, the contributions of the local population remain a source of state pride and strong evidence of the unity and courage of the people of Sarawak.
Gerawat, who is also Mulu assemblyman called for the stories of struggle and collaboration formed through Operation Semut to be preserved and shared with the younger generation as inspiration and guidance.
“On this anniversary, it is very important for us to continue safeguarding and sharing these tales of bravery so that the values of loyalty, resilience, and cooperation can continue to be cherished,” he said.
Operation Semut was an Allied military operation conducted by the Australian special team known as Z Force in 1945, aimed at gathering intelligence, training local populations, and launching guerrilla warfare against Japanese forces in the Sarawak interior.
The operation successfully weakened enemy positions and contributed to the liberation of Borneo, remaining a symbol of close cooperation between Allied forces and local communities.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Art Datuk Sebastian Ting, Dato Isaac Lugun, Rurum Kelabit Sarawak president Caleena Lallang, Chief of Kelabit Pemanca, Ken Paran Matu, and representatives from local and international agencies and military officers.
