IDS TO LAUNCH CEREMONY OF THE “SRIKANDI DANG INSUM

18 MAY 2025 

STUDY: WOMEN’S HEROISM IN SABAH’S HISTORY

KOTA KINABALU (SUNDAY): The Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) (IDS), in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perlis, will hold the launch ceremony of a historical research project entitled Srikandi Dang Insum: Women’s Heroism in Sabah’s History on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, at the Ballroom, Hotel Gem, Beaufort.

In a statement today, IDS Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Ts. Dr. Ramzah Dambul said that the study aims to document the historical struggle of a local female figure academically, Dang Insum, who led resistance efforts against the British North Borneo Chartered Company (BNBC) in North Borneo (now Sabah) in the late 19th century.

“Sabah’s history is rich with heroic stories of the fight for independence, yet much of it still exists in the form of oral traditions, performing arts, and folklore,” he said.

“Therefore, through this study, IDS and its strategic partners are taking a proactive step to authentically and with integrity record the courage and leadership of female figures like Dang Insum. This is an important effort to ensure that the roles and contributions of women in Sabah’s history are recognised and integrated into the state’s historical discourse as a reference for future generations,” he added.

He further stated that this figure is not only significant to the history of the Beaufort District but also symbolises the fighting spirit of Sabah’s women during the British colonial era. The study also has the potential to lay the foundation for the development of history and heritage-based tourism products, thereby strengthening local identity and empowering the youth’s sense of pride.

The launch event will be officiated by the Chairperson of IDS, YBhg. Datuk Seri Panglima Hajah Azizah Binti DSP Mohd. Dun. The programme will include a site visit to the Dang Insum monument in Padas Damit, as well as a research briefing session delivered by the study’s lead researcher.

For further information about this programme, please contact the Programme Coordinator, Hjh. Royaini Matusin, via email at royaini.matusin@ids.org.my or call 088-450 500.