Unfolding the story on the mysterious suspension bridge in Seropak, Bau, Sarawak

Authors

  • Ib Larsen Retired
  • Louise Teo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33736/jbk.6122.2023

Keywords:

Industrial Aarchaeology, Historial steel suspension bridges, Rajah Brooke history

Abstract

In 2005, a steel suspension bridge, hitherto unknown to those outside the community, was discovered in a remote corner of Sarawak. This paper describes the discovery and subsequent stepwise uncovering of the story of the bridge. The research included the study of old records and publications and communication with museums, archives, and historians in the UK. The history and purpose of the bridge is now uncovered.

Author Biographies

Ib Larsen, Retired

M.Sc., Biology and Society 1972

1972-84 Researcher at Roskilde University, Denmark

1984-99 Managing Director, Environment, City of Copenhagen

Environmental advisor, Government of Sarawak 1999-2006

Environmental advisor, Government of Malaysia 2006-2011

Environmental Consultant, Clinton Foundation, Jakarta 2011-12

Environmental manager, Holcim Ltd. Jakarta, 2012-15

Environmental consultant 2015-

 

 

Louise Teo

HND in Exhibition and Museum design.

Previously officer at the British Consulate in Kuching

Manager at the Nanga Damai luxury Homestay

 

References

Allison, Archibald (1898): “The Real Pirates of Borneo”, The Borneo Company

Harper, Douglas: (2015): “River, Railway and Ravine – foot suspension bridges for the empire” The History Press, UK

Hornaday, William T. (1885): "Two years in the jungle", Charles Schibners sons. UK

Helms, Ludvig V. (1882), “Pioneering in the Far East”, here after Reprint 1969, Dawsons of Pall Mall, UK

Longhurst, Henry (1956): “the Borneo story”, The Borneo Company, UK

Ooi, Keat Gin, (1995) Doctorate thesis: "Economic history of Sarawak during the period of Brooke rule 1841-1946", Doctorate thesis, https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/2731572.pdf

Porritt L Vernon (2015): “The Borneo Company’s role in the economic development of Sarawak during the Brooke Dynasty: Part III: Up to the Japanese occupation of Kuching on 24 December 1941”:
https://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+Borneo+Company%27s+role+in+the+economic+development+of+Sarawak...-a0462983521

Sarawak Gazette, following editions:
November 1903
April 1904
July 1904
March 1907

Websites:
https://www.bridgemeister.com/
https://www.harperbridges.co.uk/

Downloads

Published

2023-12-28

How to Cite

Larsen, I., & Teo, L. . (2023). Unfolding the story on the mysterious suspension bridge in Seropak, Bau, Sarawak. Journal of Borneo-Kalimantan, 9(2), 57–65. https://doi.org/10.33736/jbk.6122.2023