Long Banga history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the settlement of Long Banga is inextricably linked to the migration processes of the indigenous peoples of Borneo. Unlike major metropolises, this place does not have an exact founding date recorded in official chronicles. The village emerged as a result of the relocation of the Saban people from the headwaters of the Bahau River (in the territory of modern-day Indonesian Kalimantan) to the Ulu Baram region.

The first mentions of a permanent settlement in this area date back to a period when tribes were seeking fertile lands and safe territories for living. Long Banga became the main cultural and communal centre for the Saban ethnic group in the state of Sarawak, which is part of the country of Malaysia.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Long Banga was determined by several important factors dictated by its unique geographical position:

• Geographical Isolation: The settlement is located deep in the jungle, not far from the international border. For a long time, the only means of communication were complex river routes and forest trails, which helped preserve the authentic way of life.
• River System: Proximity to the tributaries of the Baram River played a key role in providing water and transport accessibility for trading goods with the neighbouring Kenyah and Kelabit tribes.
• Communal Structure: The basis of political and social organisation was the system of longhouses, where entire clans lived under one roof, jointly making decisions and ensuring the protection of the settlement.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of the early period was built on subsistence farming and a deep knowledge of the surrounding nature. The residents of Long Banga are known for their agricultural skills, which distinguished them from some nomadic neighbours.

Life centred around rice cultivation; notably, they practised not only dry hill rice farming but also wet paddy farming on terraces, which required high labour organisation. Additionally, hunting, fishing, and gathering forest resources played an important role. Cultural distinctiveness was expressed in the unique Saban language, traditional crafts, and beliefs, which subsequently transformed under the influence of external contacts but retained their roots in local folklore.

Chronology of Historical Events

• Circa 1900 — Foundation of the settlement of Long Banga by a group of the Saban people migrating from the headwaters of the Bahau River.
• 1908 — First documentary mentions of the ethnic group living in this area in the context of the Marudi Peace Treaty.
• 1940s — A second wave of Saban migration, significantly increasing the size of the local community.
• 1960s — A period of important infrastructural development: an airstrip was built and modernised, opening opportunities for regular air travel. At the same time, cultural changes occurred related to the spread of Christianity through the activities of the Borneo Evangelical Mission.
• 22 July 2010 — A historic visit by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, marking the first visit to this remote region by a head of government.
• 2011 — The start of infrastructure projects, including the construction of a mini-hydroelectric power plant and improvement of road links to main highways.
• 2016 — Opening of a new rural clinic (Klinik Desa) to provide primary medical care to the villagers and surrounding areas.
• October 2021 — Local Liberica coffee received recognition at the national level, giving impetus to the development of agrotourism.
• 2023 — Regular air service to the city of Miri, operated by MASwings, established itself as the main and most comfortable way for tourists to reach the settlement.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The evolution of the settlement of Long Banga is a story of transforming an isolated community deep in the jungle into a modern rural centre with developing infrastructure. Major development milestones are linked to overcoming geographical remoteness and integration into the economy of the state of Sarawak and the entire country of Malaysia.

• Construction of the Airfield (STOLport): The creation of a runway for Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft was a turning point. This event turned a multi-day river journey into a short flight, ensuring the regular delivery of goods, medicines, and tourist access to the region.
• Activities of the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM): The arrival of missionaries in the mid-20th century not only changed the religious landscape but also brought education. This contributed to increasing literacy among the Saban people and strengthening social ties with other communities in Sarawak.
• Transition to Wet Rice Farming: Unlike many tribes practising slash-and-burn agriculture, the residents of Long Banga mastered the technique of growing rice in wet paddy fields (sawah). This ensured food stability and allowed land to be used more efficiently and ecologically.
• Launch of the Mini-Hydroelectric Power Plant: The construction of a local hydroelectric station allowed the community to move away from diesel generators. The arrival of stable 24-hour electricity boosted small business development, the use of household appliances, and improved food storage conditions.
• Connection to the Logging Road Network: The appearance of dirt roads linking the village with main logging routes opened an alternative land route to the city of Miri. This reduced the cost of transporting bulky goods and building materials.
• Digital Integration: The installation of telecommunication towers and the introduction of satellite internet broke the information isolation. Access to mobile communication allowed local residents to coordinate tourism services and sell agricultural products online.
• Development of the Coffee Industry: The revival of plantations and a focus on growing the Liberica coffee variety became a new economic milestone. This created jobs and attracted the attention of gourmets, forming a brand of high-quality local produce.

Architectural Features and Layout

The architectural appearance of the settlement of Long Banga differs strikingly from familiar urban landscapes and does not fit into the classical periodisation of European styles. Here, the development of building traditions followed a path of adaptation to the harsh conditions of humid tropical forests and a gradual transition from organic materials to modern technologies. The urban structure of the settlement has a linear-cluster character, historically oriented along the river, and in modern times — also around the airstrip.

Evolution of the Dwelling: Traditional Borneo Style

The dominant form of residential architecture defining the village's look is the "longhouse". This unique structure reflects the collectivist way of life of Sarawak's indigenous peoples, including the Saban people.

• Construction on Stilts: Traditional houses are raised above the ground on sturdy posts, often made of "ironwood" (belian). This architectural solution, tested for centuries, protects the dwelling from seasonal floods, dampness, and wildlife, while also ensuring natural air circulation.
• Internal Zoning: The architecture of the longhouse provides for a clear division into a public zone — a wide covered gallery (ruai), where the community's social life takes place, and a row of private living sections (bilik) belonging to individual families.
• Transformation of Materials: While the early era used exclusively bamboo, rattan, and palm leaves for roofing, the modern appearance of the settlement is characterised by the widespread use of processed timber, plywood, and metal roofs, which increases the durability of the buildings.

Modern Development and Functionalism

With the integration of the region into the national infrastructure of Malaysia, the architectural ensemble of Long Banga has been supplemented by buildings of utilitarian purpose. These structures represent examples of pragmatic rural construction.

• Religious Structures: The visual dominant is often the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) church. This spacious structure, combining traditional wooden elements with modern roofing materials, serves as the main gathering place for residents.
• State Facilities: The airport buildings (STOLport), school, and rural clinic are executed in a strict functional style. They are characterised by simple geometric forms, the use of concrete, glass, and louvred windows, ensuring maximum lighting and ventilation in the hot climate.

Distinguished Personalities of Long Banga

Despite its modest size, the settlement of Long Banga is linked to the destinies of people who have made a significant contribution to preserving the culture of the Saban people, developing the local economy, and integrating the region into modern Malaysian society. The villagers are known for their hospitality and diligence, and some of them have become true leaders of change.

• Datuk Gerawat Gala
  Role: Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak's Department, Member of the State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) for the Mulu constituency.
  Significance: As a political representative of the region, he played a key role in modernising the infrastructure of remote settlements. With his active participation, projects were implemented to improve road connections, electrification, and digital communication development, which brought Long Banga out of isolation.
• Tomy Pangot
  Role: Innovative farmer, leader of the agricultural community.
  Significance: Initiated the revival of the coffee industry in the region. Thanks to his efforts in growing high-quality Liberica coffee, Long Banga has gained recognition on Sarawak's agrotourism map, creating new economic prospects for local residents.
• Alasdair Clayre
  Role: Anthropologist, researcher, and public figure.
  Significance: Raised in Long Banga in a family of British missionaries in the 1960s, he dedicated his career to studying and preserving the unique language and culture of the Saban people. He actively helps the community develop sustainable ecotourism strategies, linking past traditions with modern opportunities.
• Christina Lian
  Role: Pastor and spiritual leader.
  Significance: One of the prominent representatives of the local clergy, who has dedicated her life to serving the community. In conditions where the church is the centre of social life, her activities contribute to strengthening moral foundations, the unity of residents, and supporting education among the youth.
• Ludia Apoi
  Role: Entrepreneur, pioneer of hospitality.
  Significance: Founder of one of the first and most famous homestays in the village. Through her work, she set the standards for receiving tourists, helping travellers get acquainted with the lifestyle and cuisine of the Saban people, which was an important step in the development of local tourism.
• Susan Udau
  Role: Guardian of agrarian traditions.
  Significance: A recognised expert in traditional rice farming. She preserves ancient knowledge about growing the famous highland rice (Adan rice) and passes on the experience of cultivating the land without using modern chemicals, maintaining the ecological purity of the region.