Amji Attak, One of the Finest Sons of the Dayak: The Forgotten Hero of Brimob

Amji Attak: His contributions are significant, but the recognition for them remains limited. Photo credit: Documentation by Christina Lomon.

JAKARTA - dayaktoday.com: The heroic tales of the Dayak ancestors are not just etched in legends and folklore; they resonate through real history that inspires us. 

One figure deserving of remembrance is Amji Attak, a hero whose dedication to his country will never fade. His story is a testament to bravery and sacrifice, embodying the spirit of a nation fighting for its honor and sovereignty.

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Amji's name has been immortalized at the Barracks of the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) of the Indonesian National Police located in Kelapa Dua, Depok, West Java. 

But who exactly was Amji Attak? 

While the exact date and year of his birth may remain a mystery, his contributions to the nation's history are undeniable.

The call to action

Amji first rose to prominence during a crucial confrontation with Malaysia. In this high-risk mission, Brimob troops faced off against the elite SAS unit from the UK in the treacherous waters of Natuna in March 1945. It was here, amidst the crashing waves and the deafening sound of gunfire, that Amji and his comrades displayed incredible courage and resolve.

They fought not only to protect the nation's borders but also to uphold the dignity and honor of their people, battling against formidable opponents in a fight for national pride. The decision to name this unit after Amji Atak was not arbitrary; he was the most senior member among the Brimob forces assigned to this critical mission.

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Trained in the Pioneer Regiment, they executed a stealthy infiltration into Malaysia, employing small boats to approach their target. Imagine the bravery it took to paddle quietly through perilous waters, risking detection by the enemy at every turn. 

Tragically, as they neared their destination, they encountered a British patrol, leading to an intense and harrowing battle. Amji and his fellow soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, showcasing a level of valor that should never be forgotten.

This heroic narrative was brought to light by senior Dayak journalist Christina Lomon. Through her thorough investigation, she compiled valuable information and immortalized it in a lengthy report for Suara Borneo magazine in August-September 2015. 

In her detailed account, Christina revealed that Amji hailed from Kampung Kapayakng in West Kalimantan, the seventh of eight siblings.

His family, living in a small village, could never have imagined that one of their own would be part of such a monumental struggle. Their lives, once ordinary, were forever changed by the bravery of one of their own. 

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After news of Amji's death spread like wildfire, his personal belongings—clothes, photographs, and weapons—were sent back to his hometown, a bittersweet gesture honoring his memory.

Yet, when close family members traveled to Jakarta seeking clarity about his fate, they were met with bureaucratic rejection and left empty-handed. This poignant moment highlights the challenges faced by families of fallen soldiers who seek recognition and closure.

Heroism needs recognition

Amji Attak served as a platoon commander with the rank of second lieutenant. He underwent rigorous training as an agent in 1958 and had become an integral part of Brimob, a force that stood at the forefront of Indonesia's defense. 

Today, his name stands as a symbol of the Ranger pioneers from the Pioneer Regiment, embodying the spirit of those who dared to stand against oppression.

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However, the process of officially recognizing Amji as a Dwikora (Two People's Commands - the Bung Karno Era) hero remains unfulfilled. Despite numerous seminars on heroism being held, frustration grows over the slow pace of the recognition process. Many within the community have expressed their disappointment at the lack of action.

It is vital that the stories of our heroes are brought to light and celebrated, yet bureaucratic hurdles often stand in the way. Ultimately, it falls back on us to advocate for these heroes, as the requirements for proposing a national hero include a comprehensive monograph and scholarly publications supporting the nomination.

This challenge is one we must confront, particularly within the Dayak community. We need to enhance our research and writing skills so that heroic tales like that of Amji Attak are not forgotten. 

By preserving these stories, we honor the sacrifices of our heroes and build awareness of the importance of our history and identity as a nation.

Honor bravery, share heroes' stories

This is not just about remembering a name; it’s about recognizing the values of bravery, sacrifice, and honor that our ancestors fought for. The courage of those who came before us laid the foundation for the freedoms we enjoy today. Their sacrifices were not made for personal gain, but for the collective good—for future generations to live with dignity, security, and justice.

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Let us work together to ensure that stories of heroes like Amji Attak continue to inspire. These narratives must not fade into obscurity but should instead be passed down, generation after generation, as reminders of the price of freedom. We must take it upon ourselves to gather these histories, document them with care, and make them accessible to our communities. Through books, articles, films, and public discourse, we can preserve their legacies and educate others about the battles fought, the lives lost, and the unwavering spirit that propelled these heroes forward.

It is our duty to remember, to tell, and to celebrate the lives of those who fought valiantly so that we can enjoy the liberties we have today. To forget them is to diminish the very principles they stood for. By honoring their memory, we reaffirm our commitment to the ideals they held dear—courage, integrity, and resilience.

Through these efforts, we can ensure that the legacy of Amji Attak and countless others like him lives on. Their stories will be preserved not just in our memories but in the annals of history. Let us be the storytellers who ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten and that their bravery continues to inspire those who follow in their footsteps.

-- Rangkaya Bada