Int’l commemoration of Operation Semut parachute landing in Bario to feature live re-enactment
MIRI (March 17): The International 80th Commemoration of Operation Semut Parachute Landing 1945 will be held in Bario on March 25, featuring a live re-enactment of the historic military operation, said Datuk Gerawat Gala.
The Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring said that this would be the first time the event includes a live parachute drop, carried out by 16 parachuters from the Malaysia Sports Parachuting Association (Maspa), Payung Terjun Sarawak, Fire and Rescue department (Bomba), Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
“This year’s commemoration is extra special with the inclusion of a live re-enactment of the Operation Semut parachute landing, marking a significant moment in our history,” Gerawat told reporters at a press conference at Miri Airport yesterday.
He said that among those attending the event would include Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke, New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia Mike Walsh, Acting British High Commissioner to Malaysia David Wallace and several representatives from foreign missions.
Additionally, Gerawat said that veterans and their families from around the world would also attend the event, alongside community leaders from Bario and its surrounding areas.
“Among the war heroes honoured will be Jack Tredrea, a retired warrant officer from South Australia and the last surviving member of the Semut Unit. He attended the commemoration regularly until his passing in 2017 at the age of 97.
“Members of his family will be present to pay tribute to his legacy,” he said, adding that Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah will be officiating the event.
Following the event in Bario, Gerawat shared that another live re-enactment of the Operation Semut parachute landing will be held at Padang Merdeka in Kuching, where Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to officiate.
Gerawat noted that the commemoration is organised by Rurum Kelabit Sarawak, co-organised by Miri City Council and Miri Resident Office, with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Bario Sub-District Office, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, and MASwings.
He highlighted that the event has evolved into an international gathering, with participants from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia, as well as local veterans, tourists, and members of the community.
“The annual commemoration, held since 2013, welcome former soldiers, families of Semut operatives, and local heroes who supported the Z Special Unit.
“Their presence honours the bravery and sacrifices made in the fight for freedom, which ultimately led to the liberation of Sarawak from Japanese occupation during World War II,” he added.
Other programmes scheduled in conjunction with the event include an exhibition by former deputy state secretary Datuk Ose Murang and his wife Datin Dr Valerie Mashman.
The exhibition, Gerawat said, highlights the Kelabit community’s role in national defence, from their participation in Operation Semut to their contributions during the Indonesian Confrontation.
Among those present at the press conference were Rurum Kelabit Sarawak president Datuk Dr Philip Raja, Bintulu Resident Datuk Nyurak Keti, councillor John Terawe representing Miri City Council, and Rurum Kelabit Sarawak secretary general Nelson Kebing.
-Agency
