Raid on Kalabakan

The Battle of Kalabakan was a significant military confrontation during the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation. It took place on December 29, 1963, in the Kalabakan region of Sabah, located on the island of Borneo, which was part of Malaysia

Battle of Kalabakan
Part of the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation
Date December 29, 1963 - January 27, 1964 Location Kalabakan, Indonesia–Malaysia border 4.295°N 117.597°E / 4.295; 117.597 Result Commonwealth successfully • kalabakan base damanged • Withdrawal KKO from Kalabakan
Belligerents
Malaysia Commonwealth Corps	Indonesia • Indonesian Marine Corps
Commanders and leaders
General Tunku Osman Lieutenant Colonel Burnett	General L. B. Moerdani Serda Rebani †
Strength
3rd Battalion	~128 KKO
Casualties and losses
8 killed 19 wounded	31 killed 55 captured

Background

Malaysia achieved its sovereignty on 16 September 1963, but this independence was not well received by some neighboring countries, especially Indonesia. Strong opposition to the formation of Malaysia was expressed through the term "Ganyang Malaysia", which reflected both political and military resistance. The misunderstanding surrounding the formation of this new nation led to deep tensions between the two Malay-speaking countries. One of the most shocking incidents occurred on 29 December 1963, when Indonesian forces launched an attack on Kalabakan, a border area in Sabah. This event, known as the Battle of Kalabakan, was part of Indonesia's aggressive actions aimed at threatening Malaysia's sovereignty. Prior to the attack, in mid-December 1963, Indonesia had sent the KKO from Kalabakan to capture Kalabakan, with plans to advance towards Tawau and Sandakan. A total of 128 Indonesian troops, including untrained Pramuka members, were involved in this operation, which formed part of Indonesia's broader effort to undermine Malaysia

Raid

On 29 December 1963, Indonesian military forces launched a coordinated attack on positions held by the 3rd Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD) and the Malaysian police in Kalabakan. The attack was carried out from two separate positions, leading to a fierce and prolonged battle between the two forces. During the assault, one military officer and seven members of the RAMD were killed, while eighteen others were wounded. The Malaysian police, who were also involved in the fighting, managed to kill one Indonesian soldier and injure four others. The clash, which lasted for four hours, caused significant damage to the Kalabakan base before the Indonesian forces withdrew towards the northern part of Kalabakan. This assault was one of the most intense engagements of the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation

Aftermath

In Kalabakan, alongside the military forces, the local villagers played a crucial role in defending the area. Following the imposition of a curfew after the attack, the villagers were called upon to engage in communal work to strengthen the defense. They were also instructed to lay landmines around the village to prevent any further incursions by Indonesian troops. Additionally, the villagers contributed to the construction of an airstrip on a nearby hill to facilitate helicopter landings, which was essential for the mobility of military forces.

Counter-attack

In response to the Indonesian assault, Malaysia received military assistance from countries such as Britain, Australia, and the Gurkha forces. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Burnett and Tunku Osman, the Gurkhas were swiftly deployed to Kalabakan on 2 January 1964 to assist Malaysian troops in conducting search operations. By 27 January 1964, Malaysian forces successfully located an Indonesian military camp and engaged in combat with them. The confrontation resulted in several Indonesian soldiers being killed, and a significant amount of weapons and ammunition were seized. The Kalabakan incident stands as a pivotal moment in Malaysia's history, particularly in its efforts to uphold national sovereignty. This battle exemplified Malaysia's commitment to defending its territory from external threats. Furthermore, Kalabakan serves as a testament to the collaboration between the Malaysian military, the local population, and international support from countries such as the Gurkhas and Australia. Malaysia's successful defense of Kalabakan marked a proud moment for the nation, symbolizing its unwavering determination to preserve its independence. Just as Bukit Kepong stands as a symbol of the Malaysian Army's struggle, Kalabakan has become an important witness to Malaysia's military history.