Bario marks 81st anniversary of Z Force parachute jump

suppadmin | April 1, 2026

The Kelabit Highlands once again stood in solemn remembrance and pride as the community gathered to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the historic Z Force parachute jump in 1945, a defining moment that changed the course of Sarawak’s wartime history and opened Bario to the outside world.

The annual event, organised by Rurum Kelabit Sarawak in collaboration with the Miri City Council and government agencies, honoured the bravery and sacrifice of the Z Special Unit operatives and the strong partnership forged with local communities during the final days of the Second World War.

The parachute landing in Bario, carried out under Operation Semut, marked the beginning of a close alliance between Allied forces and the indigenous people of the interior.

The Kelabit community, with their knowledge of the terrain, resilience and courage, played a key role in supporting guerrilla operations against occupying forces, contributing significantly to the liberation of Borneo.
Rurum Kelabit Sarawak president Dato Isaac Lugun said historian Tom Harrisson had described Bario in his book “A World Within” as a closed world prior to the landing.

“The Z Force landing opened up the Kelabit Highlands to the outside world,” he said, adding that parachutes descending from the sky resembled engkabang fruit drifting in the wind.
“What came down that day was not only men on a mission, but the beginning of a profound connection between the outside world and this remote highland.”

He added that two significant “seeds” from that moment were education and faith, which have since transformed the Kelabit community.
“Education became the strong foundation for the community to grow, while the Christian faith provided a moral compass,” he said.
The commemoration serves not only as a tribute to those who served and sacrificed, but also as a celebration of unity, heritage and enduring friendship. It reflects the community’s gratitude to past generations and highlights the lasting bonds formed during a time of adversity.

The programme featured memorial ceremonies, cultural performances, exhibitions and reflections from community leaders and invited guests, ensuring that the legacy of Z Force and Operation Semut continues to be preserved and passed on to younger generations.

As Bario continues to develop while preserving its unique cultural identity, the anniversary stands as a reminder of its historic role on the global stage.

From a remote highland settlement, it has become a place of strategic importance and international connection, forming an enduring chapter in Malaysia’s national heritage.