I grew up in this squatter’s area for more than 15 years. My grandmother and grandfather sold off their land at 17th miles and move here for more than 40 years. I was 11 years old when my father bought a shabby house for RM500 (USD143) from the previous tenant. This small area houses Iban (majority) Bidayuh & Chinese.

On December 12, 2007 The Borneo Post publishes an article “170-year-old Iban cemetery in pitiful state” urging the Dayak community to clean up the cemetery. I was surprise the picture showed is the place where I grew up.

Before the news I never know SDNU exist. SDNU was known as SDA (Sarawak Dayak Association) which was form in 1946. It’s a good thing that the association starting to cares for the cemetery as this place does seem to be a historical ground.

When I was young, I used to walk into that cemetery (week before Chinese New Year) with my cousin to get a long, straight and beautiful green bamboo preparing for Chinese New Year firecrackers show down. As we walk into the cemetery we ask for forgiveness for disturbing the peace for cutting down the bamboo.

Here’s the list of facts about the cemetery from the new papers article

• According to “the Anglican Church in Borneo” the cemetery was first use by Sebuyau Tribe from Lingga.
• Those that buried their remains in this cemetery would be those that converted to Christianity in 1848. For those that convert later, their remains would be buried at St. Thomas Church Cemetery.
• 1952, the burial ground was gazzated as native Area land
• 1975, the land was leased for 99 years to SDNU

This place serves many childhood memories for me, growing up in this little community is tough. In the early days we could only afford kerosene lamp. Looking back, no one ever says life is easy.