06/09/2026
Sir James Brooke wrote directly about Aji (frequently spelled Sadji or Saji in 19th-century colonial accounts, official dispatches, and private journals).
Aji (Aji Apai Limpa) was the famous Saribas Iban leader, son of Orang Kaya Pemancha Dana “Bayang”, and brother to Nanang, Luyoh and Buda. In colonial records, he was considered one of the fiercest anti-Brooke resistance figures alongside Rentap.
In official letters and administrative reports detailing expeditions in the Saribas and Skrang regions, James Brooke consistently singled out “Sadji” as a principal “refractory” leader. While James Brooke often lumped anti-regime leaders under the label of “pirates” or “rebels,” he acknowledged Aji's military influence, noting that Aji was among the few chiefs who actively refused to accept Brooke's authority, pay tribute, or cease raiding coastal trading routes.
While Sir James Brooke documented Aji/Sadji in his political dispatches and private journals, much of the detailed descriptive commentary about Aji's personal character, tactics, and death comes from James's nephew and successor, Charles Brooke. In his memoir “Ten Years in Sarawak” (1866), Charles wrote extensively about "Saji" / "Aji," praising his bravery despite being his enemy, writing that Aji was a man of "unyielding spirit" who died valiantly in battle.
During the late 1850s, when Aji was at the height of his resistance against the Brooke government, Sir James Brooke was living mostly in Kuching or England following severe illness and political inquiries. He delegated military leadership in the Saribas and Skrang regions to his nephews: Captain Brooke Brooke (Tuan Besar) and Charles Brooke (Tuan Muda). Charles Brooke engaged Aji directly in combat and wrote extensively about him in his two-volume memoir, Ten Years in Sarawak (1866). Writers and historians frequently quote Charles Brooke's observations about Saji, which are sometimes misattributed to Sir James.
Below are the key written excerpts and passages by Charles Brooke regarding Aji (spelled Saji in his writings):
"Saji’s name and acts had been in my ears for years past."
"Many a bloody deed had been perpetrated, and he always had boasted that the White Men's powder and shot would take no effect on his body."
"His father, the Orang Kaya Bayang, who died only a few years ago, had been one of the most powerful and ruthless leaders, and possessed an extraordinary degree of influence over all the surrounding tribes."
Following the battle where Aji was fatally shot while leading a charge against Brooke forces, Charles Brooke reflected on his adversary's end and the impact of his fall:
""Saji, the brave and dreaded, had fallen in the foremost ranks of the enemy."
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REKAYA AJI FATHER OF LIMPA WAS ENNOBLED AN ORANG KAYA
When James Brooke arrived in Sarawak, he became Rajah James Brooke and governed Sarawak, taking over from Rajah Muda Hassim, who had governed Sarawak under the rule of Brunei in those old days. Charles Brooke served under Rajah James Brooke. He governed up to Simanggang and built a fort at Nanga Skrang to prevent the Skrang people from going downriver to launch war raids (ngayau) into Sarawak territory. He knew that the people of Skrang and Saribas were brave and frequently went on war raids across Sarawak, extending as far as the Dutch-controlled territory toward Sambas.
When Rekaya Pemancha Dana ‘Bayang’ passed away, Charles Brooke summoned Aji Apai Limpa to become the Orang Kaya, replacing his father, Rekaya Pemancha Dana Bayang. All the elders in Saribas were summoned to become Chiefs (Pengulu) according to the areas where they lived. Linggir became the Pengulu governing Paku, and Bakir became the Pengulu governing Betong. Each was given a symbol of authority to rule their land. Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa was given a spear which was tipped with gold plate. Linggir was given a spear with silver brasswork. Panglima Bakir was given a silver-plated spear identical to Linggir, with only Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa receiving the gold-plated one.
REKAYA AJI FATHER OF LIMPA QUARRELLED WITH THE RAJAH
More than ten years after that, a festival for the departed (Gawai Antu) was held at Nanga Padeh, Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa's sister-in-law's longhouse. As the festival got underway, many guests came from upriver and downriver, just as they do today. The festival host invited everyone to feast together. There is no need to detail the festival proceedings, as our festivals today mirror the ways of the ancestors before us. Because heavy drinking took place, Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa became heavily intoxicated, dizzy, and weak-limbed from drunkenness. Taking advantage of the situation, Ramping (son of Luta) and Taraju provoked Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa. Ramping punched Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa and began choking him violently until people heard a commotion and shouted, “Apai Limpa is dying, choked by Ramping!” Hearing her husband’s name called, his wife, Dimah, rushed out from the kitchen into the main gallery (ruai) carrying a heavy piece of wood. She saw Ramping strangling Apai Limpa. Approaching him, she struck Ramping hard with the wooden log she had brought from the kitchen. She struck his head severely, rendering him unconscious. The crowd was utterly shocked to witness such violence.
Aji was carried back to the room of his brother, Nanang. Nanang lived in Nanga Padeh because he was married to Rabai, the daughter of Orang Kaya Panglima Randi—a Rekaya, in Iban terminology. That was why Nanang resided with Panglima Randi’s family in Nanga Padeh upon marriage (nguai). Nanang was older than Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa, but the government had asked Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa to succeed their father, Dana Bayang, after his passing, because Nanang had married into Rekaya Panglima Randi’s household in Nanga Padeh. The festival continued peacefully throughout the night without further conflict. Ramping suffered no lasting harm. The house owners would not allow fighting in their home anyway. The next day, when the festival concluded, all the guests returned to their respective homes.
About a year later, Ramping traveled downriver aboard a Chinese vessel (bandung) from Betong market to Sarawak (Kuching). Upon arrival, he reported falsely to Rajah Charles Brooke, saying, “Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa plans to rebel and wage war against you, Tuan Rajah. He intends to raid Sarawak. A giant boat has been built by Aji and his brothers to attack the government,” said Ramping. The Rajah was taken aback by Ramping's strange report. “Is this true, Ramping?” asked the Rajah. “I do not trust your words. I will send word to summon Rekaya Aji,” said the Rajah, scolding Ramping. When the boat returned to Betong, Ramping traveled back on it as well.
Not long after Ramping returned from Sarawak, a message arrived summoning Apai Limpa to Sarawak, as the Rajah wished to meet him. The officials at Betong Fort also instructed Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa to head downriver to obey the Rajah's summons. He traveled down to Betong to meet Panglima Bakir and the elders who were guarding the fort at the time.
Panglima Bakir informed Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa that the Rajah had indeed summoned him to Sarawak for an audience. “There is no other news,” said Panglima Bakir. After finishing his discussion with Pengulu Panglima Bakir, Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa returned from Betong market to Buloh Antu, his longhouse. Upon returning, he conferred with his brothers and decided to head to Sarawak to investigate the news brought by Penghulu Bakir regarding the Rajah's summons. His brothers Luyoh, Buda and the rest accompanied him to meet Tuan Rajah in Sarawak. They rowed continuously along the coast until they reached Sarawak, where they walked to the Rajah's Palace (Astana) for the meeting.
During their dialogue, the Rajah explained why he had summoned Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa: “People told me that you, Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa, built a massive war boat to bring your warriors downriver to attack me here in Sarawak. Personally, I did not believe this story, Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa. That is why I summoned you here—to ask you directly whether these words are true or merely fabricated rumors. I wanted to hear it directly from your own mouth.” Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa replied, “I did not expect the Rajah to summon me over such matters, for I have made no such preparations as described by those who spoke to you, Rajah.” “I too doubted their claims, which is why I called for you,” replied the Rajah.
However, because Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa was quick-tempered, he became deeply offended by the false accusation that he was constructing a massive boat as wide as a threshing mat to fight the Rajah. He addressed the Rajah again, “It comes to this, Rajah: since these people claim I intend to fight you, and you have summoned us all the way to Sarawak, I would be ashamed not to fight you now, lest your summoning of me be in vain. I refuse to let people call me a coward if we do not fight. Those people fabricated this rumor precisely to humiliate me.” The Rajah replied, “I did not summon you here to fight, Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa, but to speak face-to-face so it would be clear that their words were false allegations.” “That is precisely why I cannot let this rest,” said Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa. “Those people are testing my courage. If I do not fight you, they will claim victory and call me a coward, a fraud who lacks real bravery—someone who dares fight others but lacks the courage to face the Rajah. This is the exact perception I refuse to accept. Had they only spoken such words in our home territory, I would not mind, nor would I feel so hurt, angry, and resentful. But they came all the way here to bring these lies directly to the Rajah. And the Rajah gave enough weight to their words to summon me here. Such things will happen again in the future because these people harbor ill will toward me.”
“Therefore, I will not hesitate, Rajah. Let us fight! I refuse to be treated this way. I have no desire to fight the liar who brought these tales to you; it is far better that you and I fight directly!” declared Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa to the Rajah. “Do not say that, Aji; I do not wish to fight,” replied the Rajah. “That is why I sent for you—so we could meet and put this matter to rest completely.” “No!” countered Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa. “This matter will not simply fade away unless we fight, for my honour has been insulted. Travel upriver to Saribas! My men and I will return first. Afterward, bring your forces to fight me!”
“Do not do this, Orang Kaya,” replied the Rajah. “Such a conflict will be long and drawn out due to the distance. I do not wish for your people to suffer. I know you are brave, Aji. That is why I respect and value you. I know you are invulnerable (kebal), and I am well aware of all your famous feats of bravery in the past.”
“Not so, Rajah! My body is not made of brass that I cannot fall and die, nor are my remains like salt that will dissolve into nothing. My body will not turn to stone. Therefore, let us fight. My men and I are leaving now. We take our leave, Rajah.”
His group stood up to leave. The others shook hands with the Rajah in farewell, but Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa refused to shake the Rajah's hand and brushed it aside. They made their way back to their boat and rowed down the Sarawak River, navigating back along the coast into the Saribas estuary.
REKAYA AJI FATHER OF LIMPA ACQUIRED THE ONE-ARMED CANNON, TIMPANG BERANG, FROM SARIP MANSUR
However, they did not return directly to Saribas. Instead, they crossed over to Nanga Kalaka and entered the Rajang River, eventually arriving at Mukah.
At that time, Mukah was still under the jurisdiction of the Sultan of Brunei. There, they met Sarip Mansur, who governed Mukah at the time. They related their story regarding their recent meeting with the Rajah of Sarawak and declared their intention to wage war against him. Sarip Mansur was overjoyed to hear this. He readily offered to assist them with supplies and whatever equipment they needed, as he himself was discontented with the Rajah's control over Sarawak. Seeing Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa and his followers rising against the Rajah, Sarip Mansur willingly rendered all the assistance he could. He presented Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa’s group with four cannons along with ample gunpowder for their fight against the Rajah's forces. This was the origin of the cannon named Timpang Berang, which was later used in the battle at Bukit Sadok.
Having been away from Saribas for a long time, Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa and his men prepared to return from Mukah. They expressed deep gratitude to Sarip Mansur for his generosity in providing so many cannons. They were glad to have heavy weapons to fight the Rajah. However, carrying four heavy cannons overloaded their boat. Before reaching home, they were forced to discard one cannon in Luba K*t. They rowed hurriedly across the Rajang River, passed Batang Kalaka via Beting Maro, and reached the Saribas River. As they rowed upriver, they remained vigilant, suspecting the Rajah’s forces might have arrived ahead of them, as Rekaya Aji had challenged the Rajah to follow him back. Their trip had taken a long time due to the detour to Mukah to secure the cannons. However, transporting so many heavy cannons proved impractical and only weighed down their vessel. Besides the one discarded at Luba K*t, another cannon was thrown into the Layar River later due to the swift current of the Saribas. As they rode the incoming tide upriver, the boat struggled against the heavy waves. Upon reaching Stambak, they discarded a second cannon just upriver from today's landing site; hence, that spot is known as Lubok Bedil (Cannon Pool) to this day. Continuing upriver to their territory in Padeh, they discarded yet another cannon (the third) at Nanga Padeh. That cannon remained unmoved; locals who cast nets there say it can still be found at the mouth of Nanga Padeh, where people used to search for catfish during long droughts. Ultimately, only one cannon—Timpang Berang—was successfully brought all the way to Buloh Antu Padeh.
Upon his return, Rekaya Aji gathered the leaders of Layar, Sepak, and Padeh for a council (baum). He informed them of the meeting with the Rajah in Sarawak, their journey to Mukah to meet Sarip Mansur, and everything that had transpired since leaving Sarawak.
Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa called upon all the elders to join him in fighting the Rajah, explaining that he felt deeply disgraced by Ramping’s false accusations. He stated that if he failed to fight the Rajah now, people would truly deem him a coward and his reputation for bravery would be proven false. “Therefore, I am resolved to fight the Rajah,” he declared to the assembled leaders.
Upon hearing his words, all the leaders of Layar, Sepak, and Padeh agreed to join the war against the Rajah. Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa then announced his plan to construct a fortress at Bukit Sadok, reasoning that the Layar region provided an ideal location—far, high, and extremely difficult for enemies to scale. The people agreed with his proposal to fortify Bukit Sadok.
Once the leaders across Layar, Sepak, and Padeh agreed to fight according to Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa’s plan, they returned to their respective longhouses. The populace prepared for war, forging weapons such as spears, pedang (swords), ilang (traditional blades), and duku (knives) for close combat, as fi****ms were scarce among them at that time.
REKAYA AJI FATHER OF LIMPA RELOCATED TO MOUNT SADOK
The people then began migrating toward Sadok. Led by Mang (son of Sabok Gila Berani from Bebangai Kanan), the women and children traveled on foot overland from Buloh Antu up the Padeh river system toward Bukit Sadok. Meanwhile, the men carrying the cannon Timpang Berang traveled up from Ulu Sepak to transport it to Sadok. Moving the heavy cannon required four men at a time, taking turns carrying it, except for one exceptionally strong man named Japar (son of Ingum), who carried Timpang Berang entirely on his own. Japar was the son-in-law of Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa, married to his eldest daughter, Limpa. (This was why Rekaya Aji was called Apai Limpa, meaning "Father of Limpa"). Aji had four children—two sons and two daughters. From his marriage to Dimah (daughter of Chief Linggi from Bangkit Semambu), his children were Limpa, Sanabong, Timban, and Mindu.
Not long after they settled at Sadok, a force moved downriver to attack Betong Fort. This was not a full-scale assault, as the defenders at Betong Fort were actually their own kinsmen—Iban from the Layar region, including people from Entanak and Bran Tusur, led by Pengulu Bakir, Boudyne Grasi, Unggang Kumpang Pali, Ringkai, Biju, and other local fort guards.
They exchanged fire from a distance, as Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa’s group was only using small personal cannons, while Timpang Berang had already been sent ahead to Bukit Sadok. The fort defenders possessed ri**es, but as both sides fired from long range, neither side suffered casualties. By evening, Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa and his men retired back to Buloh Antu. From this point on, the Rajah realised that Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa was indeed acting upon the words spoken during their encounter in Sarawak. Afterward, Aji's men returned up to Sadok.
Shortly thereafter, the Rajah’s government assembled a large force, calling upon warriors from Simanggang, Balau, Undup, and Bangat, led by Jabu Apai Umping. Joined by Panglima Bakir and fort defenders from Betong, the government force advanced to subdue Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa at Buloh Antu. A vast war party moved upriver into Padeh, knowing that Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa’s followers represented the core of the bravest warriors in the Batang Saribas region, supported by the people of Layar, Sepak, and Paku.
Only the inhabitants of Entanak and Bran Tusur sided with the government. Once assembled at Betong, the government force under Panglima Bakir marched overland toward Buloh Antu. Upon arrival, they found the longhouses at Buloh Antu completely deserted. No livestock, pigs, or dogs remained, as the population had long since relocated to Sadok.
Seeing this, Panglima Bakir said to the government troops, “How could Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa dare stand his ground here after trying to attack Betong Fort? He knows full well the bravery of our downriver forces, just as we know theirs.” He then instructed the troops, “Seize whatever remains in these houses so they cannot carry the leftover items up to Sadok later. Take everything of value until nothing is left. Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa’s men will not fight us today.” He added, “Do not worry about holding your spears ready; sheath your blades in your scabbards (selambit).” The men complied, even unbinding spearheads from their shafts in their haste to gather loot.
Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa’s longhouse at that time was over fifty doors long—one of the longest ever built in Buloh Antu. In traditional oral praise, it was compared to the legendary longhouse of Panggau Libau. With so many rooms, there was an abundance of property for the government war party under Panglima Bakir to plunder.
When the troops finished gathering their loot, they rejoiced, glad to have encountered no resistance. Panglima Bakir led his men back toward Betong in high spirits, laden with spoils from Rekaya Aji’s longhouse. However, as they reached Bukit Padanum, they were ambushed by Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa’s warriors, who had set a trap. Aji's men had anticipated the government attack and had sent the women and children ahead to Sadok while the warriors stayed behind to lie in wait.
The government troops were caught completely unprepared. Disorganised and burdened with heavy loot, they fell into total chaos. The government force suffered devastating losses and was nearly wiped out, with only a small remnant that managed to flee, including Panglima Bakir.
Panglima Bakir deeply regretted his overconfidence, having never expected to be ambushed in such numbers along his return route. He had boasted to his men that no one would dare oppose them. Consequently, his force suffered a severe defeat.
According to the elders who passed down this history, the area of the battle remained uninhabitable for a year due to the stench of the fallen warriors. Meanwhile, Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa’s men celebrated their victory over the government forces. Panglima Bakir suffered a humiliating setback, as most of his men were cut down while their weapons were sheathed and their spearheads removed.
This was the grave error in judgment made by Panglima Bakir during that expedition. For a year following the battle, peace returned to the Layar region. Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa’s men made no further attempts on Betong Fort, residing peacefully up at Sadok. They maintained access to supplies from the Betong market through acquaintances and relatives downriver, receiving essentials like salt and to***co. Having farmed upriver for years, they suffered no shortage of food while residing at Sadok.
The conflict dragged on because unrest spread across the region. In Paku, Pengulu Linggir also rose in rebellion against the government. Seeing that Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa had taken up arms, Linggir felt compelled to lead his people into battle as well, forcing the government to fight on multiple fronts.
LIBAU RENTAP FLED TO MOUNT SADOK
Meanwhile, Rentap seized this opportunity to resist the Rajah. He opposed the construction of the fort at Nanga Skrang, which he viewed as a barrier blocking his warriors from raiding downriver. Knowing the bravery of the sons of Rekaya Pemancha Dana Bayang and Linggi Apai Dimah who were fighting the Rajah from the Saribas side, Rentap launched his own campaign from Skrang. The government launched an expedition up the Batang Skrang, led by Tuan Allan Lee and Mr. Stewart, supported by British officers and soldiers. Rentap’s forces lay in wait at Rantau Kejemut near Kerangan Peris. They stretched a heavy rattan cable across the Skrang River from bank to bank to block the passage. Rentap’s warriors boarded a large war boat anchored by the cable. As the government boats arrived, struggling against the strong current, Rentap’s men launched their boat with loud war cries and rammed the government vessels. Laying at the bow of Rentap's boat was his son-in-law, Layang.
Rentap called out to urge Layang into action, encouraging him to fight bravely. Layang rose and struck Tuan Lee, killing him. The government forces fell into utter chaos as several boats capsized from the collision. Rentap's men pulled themselves along the rattan cable back toward Ulu Skrang, while the surviving government troops scrambled ashore, unable to return effective fire. Both Tuan Lee and Mr. Stewart perished, along with many of their men. The surviving officers and soldiers barely escaped with their lives, their clothes torn from scrambling up the riverbanks, before making their way back downriver on foot until local Iban villagers provided boats to transport them back to Simanggang.
Following this victory, Rentap led his Skrang followers to establish a fortress on Bukit Sadok from the Skrang side. Bukit Sadok is a large mountain ridge divided between the Skrang watershed on one side and the Layar watershed on the other. Rentap was pleased to find that Rekaya Aji and his brothers had already fortified the neighbouring peak, known as Sadok Bebenyut, supported by warriors from Sepak, Padeh, and Layar.
Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa’s fortress occupied the lower ridge, while Rentap (Apai Tambong) occupied the higher peak overlooking the Skrang side. Because the approach from the Skrang side was extremely steep and treacherous, the Rajah’s forces avoided attacking from that direction. Thus, Rentap remained securely established on the summit of Sadok, shielded by Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa and his allies at their stronghold below his.
Rentap was not a native chief of the Saribas region; he was a leader specifically of the Skrang Iban. After eventually retreating from Sadok years later, he relocated to Ulu Katibas and later moved to Ulu Wak in Julau, where he lived out his remaining years until his death.
THE FIRST TIME REKAYA AJI APAI LIMPA FOUGHT THE GOVERNMENT
Not long after that, the government forces attempted to defeat Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa and his men. However, Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa knew when the government forces would be paddling upstream. He decided to wait for them downstream rather than waiting for them to reach Sadok. They waited on a hill at Ulu Nanga Padeh in the Padeh area.
They did not assemble in large numbers, having heard that Linggir and his group—consisting of only eight men—had successfully held off government forces when they clashed at Nanga Peka in Paku. Because of this, Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa did not want a large group either; there were only eight of them in total: Belabut, Anjie, Graman, Abik, Saban, Luyuh, and Buda, who was Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa's own brother.
The government forces were not just comprised of Panglima Bakir’s group. They were supported by forces from Simanggang, the Undup people, and the Balau people from downstream Simanggang. Together with the government fort forces, their numbers were quite large. This time, their boats were led by Panglima Bakir, paddling upstream with the morning rising tide. They originally intended to go to Sadok, traveling through Ulu Padeh, but because of their large numbers, the noise made by the men was loud and easily heard.
The eight men then revealed themselves and shouted war cries. Hearing their cries, the government forces halted.
“We are right here! There is no need to travel all the way upstream to find us. We have already been waiting for you here,” they called out from the hill on the land above the men paddling below.
“Come up here! It's much easier to fight here so you won't get exhausted going upstream. It’s easier to fight close by right here.”
They then moved further down the slope to make themselves clearer and to create a better fighting ground. The men from the boats disembarked and climbed up. There, the fight began. The large force fought against just the eight men. Although the government forces were numerous, they could not all attack at once. Instead, they were spread out haphazardly. The eight warriors kept their distance from one another, refusing to gather together into a cluster where the enemy could surround them.
Meanwhile, the fort soldiers carrying ri**es did not dare to shoot, fearing that their own bullets might hit their allies. The slashing and hand-to-hand fighting continued throughout the rising tide, until mid-ebb tide before it finally stopped.
Panglima Bakir realised that his forces were unable to defeat the enemy. He grew worried, fearing that a larger hidden force might be waiting in ambush, which would surely destroy his troops. Since his men could not even overcome the eight warriors they were fighting, he called for a halt. He ordered his men to return, not wanting to get caught by the turning tide. Returning at night would be miserable, having to row against the incoming tide.
Among the eight warriors, no one suffered major injuries, except for Abik, who received a minor graze wound from an enemy strike on his buttocks as he was ascending back up the hill. The enemy failed to capture or defeat them, but the eight warriors did not dare act recklessly either, lest they be captured due to the enemy’s overwhelming numbers. They had simply wanted to test themselves, following the example of Linggir’s eight men who fought government forces at Nanga Peka in Paku. In truth, they were merely provoking Panglima Bakir’s forces. Because the terrain on the hill was difficult, it was hard for the enemy to encircle them; had it been on flat ground, the enemy could have easily ganged up on the eight of them.
However, Panglima Bakir did not suspect that there were truly only eight men; he assumed they were just bait for an ambush. He believed a large force was waiting to fight along the ridge of the hill, fearing that once his men were exhausted, Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa’s forces would rise up to attack them.
Only later did they learn that it was not bait at all, and that indeed only those eight men had fought them in Padeh. Panglima Bakir was extremely furious, realising he had failed twice and had been tricked by Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa and his group. He declared that he would no longer lead the government forces.
“Let someone else lead the government troops. I am stepping down as commander for now,” muttered Panglima Bakir bitterly.
THE SECOND TIME REKAYA AJI FATHER OF LIMPA FOUGHT AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT
About a year after that, the Rajah's forces gathered once more to try to defeat Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa at Sadok. This time, a large force assembled at Betong. Many came from Simanggang, along with our fellow allies from Balau, Undup, and lower Batang Ai, in addition to the group from Bangat upstream including Jabu Apai Umping and the group under Biju, Ringkai, Boudyne Gerasi, and Encharang with his siblings. Only Ingka did not join the fight, as he aligned with the people of Sadok. These forces were led by the troops from Sarawak.
They paddled upstream from Layar through the territory from Sepak until they reached the landing place. There, they deliberated on who would lead the vanguard to climb up to Mount Sadok. For a long time, the veteran warriors remained silent, merely looking at one another.
This was because they well knew that the people of Sadok were brave and determined to defend themselves. Eventually, Ringkai and his group spoke up, declaring that they would go ahead first to scout the strength of Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa’s fort on the hill. There were four men from Betong, four from Undup, and four from Balau, as this was meant solely to be a reconnaissance mission—to see how difficult the path was and to find an easier route for the main force once the terrain had been inspected.
However, they never managed to reach the hill. While halfway along the path, they were ambushed by the Sadok forces. They were unable to fight back against the ambushers; caught completely by surprise, the four men from Betong who were leading the group panicked and fled, leaping away. The rest of their scouting party was overtaken by the enemy—taken off guard and without time to strike back, they were quickly felled to the ground.
The ambushers had shouted war cries as they struck, throwing the group into chaos. They recognised that the men in front were local countrymen, so they did not strike the leaders; instead, they slashed at those behind them, as those were the enemies who had come to destroy them.
The four who fled made it all the way back to the landing place, having abandoned their shields and spears out of sheer shock from the surprise attack, claiming they had no time to fight back to those waiting at the landing area. They reported that the enemy forces were too numerous, which was why they did not dare to stand and fight.
“It was impossible for just four of us to fight back, so we fled and left our companions who were overcome by the enemy. We no longer dare to lead the troops. Whoever is brave enough, go ahead and try to scout the strength of the fort. As for us, we never even reached the top before we were ambushed along the way.”
The people waiting at the landing place were deeply angered, but no one dared to voice further complaints because of an Iban omen custom: one must not step over corpses (proceed after a bad omen/fatal loss). If men have died before the main force even climbs the mountain, it signifies a bad omen (salah burung). Because of this, the government forces turned back right then and there. Thus, the government's expedition failed once again.
THE THIRD TIME REKAYA AJI APAI LIMPA FOUGHT THE GOVERNMENT
A year later, the government forces gathered once more at Betong. This time, there were even more troops from Sarawak, Simanggang, Bangat, and the local people of Betong—everyone who had not sided with the people of Sadok. They paddled upstream along the Layar River and went up the Spak River, stopping at the base of Mount Sadok in Ulu Sepak.
There, the troops held another council to scout the treacherous trail and figure out who would be brave enough to lead the vanguard. The Balau and Undup warriors spoke up: "Let our men lead this time! Why did the Saribas people flee and abandon our fallen comrades yesterday without revenging them? This time, let it be us!" So, they climbed up: eight Balau, eight Undup, and eight Saribas men from Betong. However, the Saribas group followed behind, as the Balau and Undup were determined to claim the front, eager to lay eyes on Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa’s fort up on Mount Sadok.
Anticipating their move, the defenders at Sadok knew when the enemy would arrive. On guard, they marched down to lay an ambush for the invaders coming to claim their land. They brought a larger force this time, suspecting the enemy was climbing up in great numbers, and set their trap along the steepest, most difficult part of the trail.
Recognising that the vanguard consisted of foreigners rather than local countrymen, the Sadok warriors sprang from their hiding spots, shouting war cries and slashing relentlessly. Taken completely by surprise, the enemy scouts had no time to defend themselves and were struck down dead. Those following behind panicked and fled. They abandoned their terabai (shields) altogether—who cares about a shield when your life is on the line?
Out of breath and nearly collapsing from running so far from the ambush site, they stumbled back to the main force waiting at the landing area. The men remaining below were thrown into commotion upon seeing them return without their shields and with only eight men left.
"Hey! Where are the rest of you?" asked those at the landing place.
"Ha! How could there be any rest of us? The ones up front were ambushed first and couldn't even put up a fight! We were stunned to see so many enemies, so we ran. We didn't dare fight back, knowing we were outnumbered."
Hearing the news brought by the eight survivors, the main force stood stunned and speechless. The government troops simply turned back, as no one dared to climb the hill anymore. The ones who claimed to be the bravest were all dead, and not a single soul dared to lead the vanguard after seeing how fiercely Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa’s men fought. Time and again, those ordered by the government to scout the fort's strength failed to even reach Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa’s fortress.
Seeing how things had turned out, the commanders ordered a retreat. They rowed back downstream to Betong. Once back in Betong, the forces from Simanggang returned home, as did the troops from Sarawak. Since the defenders of Sadok could not be defeated by the government, Charles Brooke called a council of war with his leaders to devise a strategy to overcome Aji Apai Limpa and his followers who remained holding out at Sadok.
Panglima Bakir and the other leaders confessed that they knew of no way to defeat Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa. "Aji's men do not fear cold steel, nor do they fear ri**es," Panglima Bakir said. "Therefore, I do not know how to fight them."
Then, a man named Beruang spoke up. He said, "Back when Aji and I were still on friendly terms, we spent a lot of time together as close friends. When we were drinking and our heads grew light, we often asked each other about the charms and talismans we used to grant us courage when raiding and defeating enemies."
"Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa often said that there was nothing he feared. Swords and ri**es could not kill him. That was why he felt no fear whenever he led his men on raids before the Rajah's government arrived," Beruang explained to the council.
"If that is the case, there is no way for us to defeat them, for his whole group is equally fearless. Their allies are also the bravest men in our Saribas region. They cannot be easily defeated," replied the council members.
Then Beruang spoke again, recalling another conversation he had with Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa back in the day. "Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa once told me, 'Unless it is a silver-cast bullet (peluru betunang), I cannot be killed easily, my friend.'"
"If that is so, then we shall melt down silver to cast our bullets!" declared Charles Brooke. "Once we are fully prepared, we will test them again. There is no reason we should remain unable to defeat them."
A long time passed before the government forces launched another expedition against Sadok. This time, the defenders of Sadok had a slightly different strategy. Instead of waiting inside their hill fort at the top, they decided to attack the government troops head-on as soon as they arrived, meeting them in battle down by the riverbank. They knew the government forces were coming because allies from downstream always sent word to Sadok whenever enemy boats paddled upstream. Thus, the warriors of Sadok prepared themselves.
THE DREAM OF REKAYA AJI APAI LIMPA, TESTED BY THE IMMORTALS KUMANG AND LULONG ON MOUNT RABUNG
On the night they slept while waiting for the government forces to paddle upstream, Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa, as their commander, had a dream in which he met Kumang and Lulong. He felt as though he were on the peak of Mount Rabung. There, Kumang spoke to him, "Let me slide you down this slope in a dugout canoe (jalur), Aji, so we can see how fast you go down there," said Kumang.
"Whatever you say. Let us test sliding down this hill in a canoe," he replied to Kumang. Kumang then fetched the dugout canoe. "Try getting in, and I will push you off to slide down. Let us see how fast you go." Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa climbed in, feeling the craft beneath him. Kumang then launched him down from the ridge of Rabung. He felt as if he were flying as his canoe rushed down the hill until it plunged straight into the river water. He was thoroughly soaked by the water as his canoe leaped directly into the river. "Oh, where are you, Aji?" called Kumang's voice, searching for him. "I am right here! I am completely wet because my canoe plunged straight into the water earlier," he answered.
"Oh Aji, tomorrow the government forces will arrive at your land to defeat you. Therefore, take heed and be careful. You must never, under any circumstances, jump into or fight in the river, because you were soaked when you were launched down earlier. Your body (bulu) will be vulnerable if you fight in the water. So, here is a magical rubbing stone (batu perunsut) from the two of us, your maiden guardians, for you to rub over yourselves. Even if a mat-full (sedaun idas) of enemy heads fall to you, you will remain completely unharmed—provided you do not enter the water." Kumang and Lulong then faded from his sight. When he woke up, he realised it had all been a dream.
REKAYA AJI APAI LIMPA FALLS FIGHTING THE GOVERNMENT, JULY 14, 1858
As morning arrived and the sun rose, the warriors assembled after finishing their meal. They began asking one another about their dreams. Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa was not hesitant to share his dream, relating it just as recorded previously. The older, senior warriors responded after he finished recounting his dream. "That is a good omen, and no harm will come as long as you exercise restraint and do not go down to fight the enemy in the water. Let us simply wait on the high ground; it will be easier for us to fight from the riverbank. Let the enemy come up to our side of the bank," was the collective advice of the elders.
Afterward, the warriors descended from Sadok and headed toward the Langit River, because the terrain there formed a narrow pass—an ideal spot for an ambush. As they were setting up their ambush positions, the men discussed strategies to strike the enemy. Suddenly, they encountered an omen bird: they heard a jaluh bird calling and circling continuously above them. It circled overhead for a long time without stopping.
The older, experienced warriors warned that this omen bird was an ill sign—a warning bird (burung nagang). Since they were seasoned warriors, they knew this bird was warning them to halt. "It is best that we do not fight today; we can always fight on another day," the elders advised.
However, Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa replied, "We will still end up fighting anyway. If we die today, the ground will not ring out like a bebendai gong struck over our fallen corpses. And if we die on another day, we will not turn into stone either. Nor will we melt like salt if we die today! Therefore, I will not retreat from those government forces over there across the river. I refuse to retreat for nothing. The rest of you may do as you wish." Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa then took off the jacket given to him by Sharif Masahor. "I leave this behind for my children, in case I die. I would not want them to have nothing to wear when they avenge me in the future."
He then rose and advanced, followed by his brother-in-law named Radin, the younger brother of Dimah (Indai Limpa). The two of them swam across to the opposite bank, determined to engage the Rajah's forces in hand-to-hand combat. The Rajah's troops were holding their position on the other side. Before the two could even reach the main body of the enemy, the Rajah's men fired upon them, but the bullets of the other soldiers failed to wound or stop him.
Only when Aji was extremely close to the enemy group did Beruang trigger his r***e. He had rested the barrel of his r***e on the shoulder of Penghulu Biju to steady his aim. Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa and Radin were exceedingly close when the r***e discharged. Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa collapsed immediately. Radin caught him, intending to carry his body back, but the ri**es of the other soldiers went off, striking Radin in the arm. Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa slipped from Radin's grip, and Radin was forced to turn and flee. The fort soldiers' ri**es fired in a thunderous volley like a swarm of bees. He did not dare look back.
The enemy forces tried to decapitate Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa, but he bore no visible wounds, and they were unable to sever his head. They then submerged his body in the river, leaving him there overnight.
The government forces did not dare pursue Nanang and the remaining survivors. Nanang, his brothers, and Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa's other brothers-in-law were not unwilling to cross the river to engage the enemy, but they refrained out of respect for Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa's dream, which had explicitly forbidden entering the water.
Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa had been exceptionally brave—he was invulnerable to wounds, fearing neither spears, swords, nor ri**es. When he died, he bore no open wounds; his breath was simply snuffed out by the sheer impact and concussive blast of the r***e shot fired at point-blank range from the gun barrel. This caused him to lose consciousness and stop breathing, and falling into the river, he drowned there.
Because Beruang knew the secret to his death, the Rajah had provided him with a silver-cast bullet (peluru betunang) to shoot Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa. Even so, had Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa heeded his dream and the omen bird, he certainly would not have died that day. It was simply his appointed time to die, which was why he refused to listen to the counsel of his brothers, brothers-in-law, and elders who urged him to retreat and postpone the battle due to his dream and the omen bird.
The government forces stayed overnight and only began their retreat the next day, not daring to pursue Nanang's forces up toward Mount Sadok. Only on the following day were they finally able to sever Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa's head, which only then sustained a cut. His head was taken back as a trophy, and the Rajah ordered Sandum's group to carry it back to Skrang.
All the government forces then returned home—some to Skrang, some to Simanggang, and others to their respective homelands. The troops from Sarawak returned to Sarawak (as Kuching was not yet called Kuching at that time; hence it is referred to as Sarawak in this narrative).
Because Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa's head was kept by the people in Skrang, the Skrang region was subsequently plagued by crocodile attacks. Skrang was severely troubled by crocodiles; it reached a point where people no longer dared to travel by boat, and sea traders paddling upstream were terrified to enter Skrang because the crocodiles constantly harassed paddlers. Many people lost their lives to crocodiles during that time.
Eventually, the people of Skrang experienced dreams revealing that the spirit of Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa would not rest until his head was returned to Buloh Antu and buried in his homeland at the Terusu Cemetery in Buloh Antu, Padeh. Following this, Sandum and the people of Skrang brought his head back to Buloh Antu and buried it at the Terusu Cemetery. After that, the people of Skrang were no longer terrorised by crocodiles. Even to this day, one rarely hears of Skrang being infested with rogue crocodiles as it was back then.
This concludes the story of Rekaya Aji Apai Limpa. This narrative was handed down and told by his own grandchildren, Ujih Boudyne and his siblings.
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