Long Seridan history

Long Seridan is a unique settlement located deep within the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. It is a place where history is closely interwoven with indigenous traditions, and the very existence of the village stands as a testament to human resilience and adaptation to life in the tropical rainforests for which Malaysia is famous.

Foundation and First Mentions

The exact date of Long Seridan's founding is not recorded in official chronicles, as the history of this place has been passed down orally for centuries. The settlement emerged as one of the hubs for the Kelabit people, an ethnic group inhabiting the highlands of Sarawak. Initially, it was a small community that chose to inhabit the fertile valley of the Seridan River, from which the village took its name.

Key Factors of Formation

The formation of the settlement was influenced by the specific conditions of the region:

• Geographical Isolation: The inaccessibility of the area, surrounded by dense jungles and mountains, helped preserve the authenticity and autonomy of the community.
• Water Resources: The river served not only as a source of water and sustenance but also as the main transport artery connecting residents with neighbouring settlements before the advent of air travel.
• Social Cohesion: The harsh conditions of life in the wild required close cooperation among all community members, which strengthened the settlement's structure.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy and culture of early Long Seridan were entirely self-sufficient and harmoniously integrated with the environment:

• Longhouse Living: Traditionally, all families lived in one or several longhouses on stilts, which ensured safety and strengthened social bonds.
• Agrarian Traditions: The basis of the economy was rice cultivation, including the famous highland varieties, as well as hunting and gathering forest produce.
• Craftsmanship: The locals were renowned for their skill in making necessary household items and ornaments from bamboo, rattan, and beads.

Key Historical Milestones

• Early 20th Century: The Kelabit people transition to a settled lifestyle and establish the permanent settlement of Long Seridan in the fertile river valley.
• 1945: Allied forces land in the region as part of "Operation Semut" to organise local resistance at the end of World War II.
• 1963: The state of Sarawak joins the federation, and Malaysia becomes a unified nation bringing together various regions.
• 1960s: Construction of an earth airstrip, opening the possibility of regular air connections with the city of Miri.
• 1973: The spiritual awakening in the Kelabit Highlands (Bario Revival), which had a profound impact on the social order and beliefs of the villagers.
• Late 1990s: The beginning of the gradual integration of modern amenities, including the arrival of the first generators for electricity supply.
• 2000s: Launch of eco-tourism programmes and the opening of guesthouses for travellers wishing to experience jungle culture.
• 2010s: Modernisation of the local school and improvement of access to digital communications as part of the development of rural Sarawak.

Stages of Formation and Development

The development history of the Long Seridan settlement is a journey of gradual transformation from an isolated community into an important cultural and tourist centre of the region. Each of these changes played a decisive role in improving the quality of life and integrating residents into the modern society that Malaysia is building.

• Transition to Intensive Farming. The introduction of irrigation systems for wet rice cultivation was a crucial economic step. This allowed the community not only to secure food for themselves but also to create a reliable base for a settled life, abandoning the constant movement through the jungle.
• Opening of the Airfield (STOLport). The construction of a runway for Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft was a major urban planning breakthrough. Air travel reduced the journey to civilisation from several weeks of trekking to an hour's flight, ensuring emergency medical aid and the supply of goods.
• Establishment of a School. The appearance of its own primary school had colossal social significance. Children gained the opportunity to study without leaving their families at an early age, which strengthened the family institution and significantly raised literacy levels among new generations.
• Electrification of the Settlement. The transition from oil lamps to diesel generators, and later to solar panels, radically changed daily life. Access to electricity allowed for the use of household appliances and refrigeration equipment, which is critical for storing food and medicines in a tropical climate.
• Establishment of Land Links. The construction of logging roads connecting the district with coastal towns opened an alternative transport corridor. This boosted trade and allowed for the delivery of bulky cargo that could not be transported on light aircraft.
• Digital Revolution. The installation of telecommunication towers and the provision of internet access became the final stage of exiting isolation. This gave residents access to online education, banking services, and allowed for the development of small businesses by attracting tourists via social media.

Architectural Appearance: Harmony with the Jungle

The architecture of the Long Seridan settlement differs radically from the stone cities of the West or East. Here you will not find Gothic, Baroque, or Classicism in their traditional sense. The appearance of the village is shaped by the centuries-old culture of the Kelabit people and the necessity of survival in the tropical rainforest conditions that cover Malaysia. This is a vivid example of organic architecture, where buildings are a natural extension of the landscape.

Main Architectural Stages and Styles

The development of the settlement can be divided into several conditional stages, each reflecting changes in the community's social structure:

• Traditional Era (Wooden Architecture): Historically, the dominant type of structure was the longhouse. These are massive wooden constructions on high stilts, uniting dozens of families under one roof. The style is characterised by the use of local materials: hardwoods for the frame, bamboo for walls, and palm leaves for roofing (later replaced by zinc).
• Functional Modernism (Mid-20th Century): With the arrival of missionaries and administration, separate public buildings began to appear. Architecture became more utilitarian: simple rectangular forms, gable roofs, and the use of processed timber and concrete for the foundations of public structures (schools, clinics).
• Modern Rural Style: In recent decades, there has been a trend towards building separate family homes next to the traditional longhouse. These structures combine traditional elements (stilts for flood protection) with modern materials (glass, metal profiles, painted siding).

Urban Structure and Landmarks

The layout of Long Seridan does not follow a strict geometric grid of streets but is dictated by the geography of the terrain—the riverbed and the location of the airstrip.

Key Elements Shaping the Settlement's Appearance:

• The Main Longhouse: The heart of the village and its main architectural monument. This is not just a residential building, but a covered "street" where all social life takes place. The wide common veranda (ruai) serves as a place for gatherings, celebrations, and receiving guests.
• The Airstrip (STOLport): Although an engineering structure, it is the urban-forming axis of modern Long Seridan. Main public buildings are grouped around the airfield, forming a kind of "city centre".
• Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) Church: The church building, usually located on an elevation or in the centre, stands out for its neatness and is often the best-maintained structure, symbolising the spiritual unity of the residents.
• Primary School Complex: A group of functional single-storey buildings, including classrooms and dormitories. This is an example of adapting government construction standards to the conditions of a remote region.

Distinguished Personalities of Long Seridan

The history of the settlement is inextricably linked with the names of leaders, defenders, and educators who contributed to the development not only of the village itself but of the entire region that Malaysia is proud of. Below are key figures who have left their mark on the chronicles of this land.

• Major G.S. "Toby" Carter
  Role: Military commander, leader of "Operation Semut II".
  Significance: During World War II, he led the partisan resistance against Japanese occupiers in the Baram River basin. His actions played a decisive role in liberating the region and saving the local population from repression. Carter worked closely with the residents of Long Seridan, organising an effective intelligence network.
• Dato Sri Idris Jala
  Role: Federal Minister, statesman, reformer.
  Significance: One of the most influential figures from the Kelabit people. He spent his childhood in Long Seridan, where he received his primary education. He became the first representative of his community to hold a ministerial post in the national government and led Malaysia's economic transformation programme (PEMANDU).
• Agan Tadun
  Role: Legendary cultural hero.
  Significance: A central figure in the oral epics and mythology of the Kelabits. Stories of his strength, wisdom, and feats have been passed down orally for centuries, shaping the moral code and cultural identity of the highlanders long before the arrival of modern civilisation.
• Henry Jala (Tama Lai)
  Role: Educator, school headmaster.
  Significance: One of the pioneers of education in the region and the father of Idris Jala. In the 1960s, he served as the headmaster of the Long Seridan primary school. His efforts to bring children into education, not only from settled families but also from the nomadic Penan tribes, laid the foundation for literacy in this remote district.
• Pemanca Philip Lakai
  Role: Paramount Chief (Pemanca), teacher.
  Significance: He became the first professionally trained teacher sent to work in Long Seridan in 1964. Later, he assumed the high post of Pemanca—an administrative leader responsible for preserving customs (adat) and resolving disputes within the community.
• Tom Harrisson
  Role: Ethnographer, museum curator, commander of "Operation Semut I".
  Significance: A legendary figure for all of Sarawak. Although his headquarters were in Bario, it was he who initiated the revival of the highlanders' self-awareness and organised them into a fighting force during the war. His ethnographic works revealed the culture of the interior's inhabitants to the world.
• Lagang Ipong
  Role: Village Headman (Ketua Kampung).
  Significance: He led the Long Seridan community for a long time during its period of active modernisation. His leadership was particularly important during crisis moments, such as rebuilding the settlement after devastating fires, as well as in developing eco-tourism projects.