NOTEBOOK: KD LEKIR IN INDONESIA

KD Lekir memasuki Pelabuhan Tg.Perak , Surabaya, Indonesia

Here is a comprehensive study notebook based on the personal memoirs and historical notes shared by Royal Malaysian Navy veteran Hj. Zulheimy Ma'amor regarding his service on KD Lekir and his voyages to Indonesia.

NAVY VETERAN NOTEBOOK: KD LEKIR IN INDONESIA

• Source Material: Personal Blog of Hj. Zulheimy Ma'amor (Royal Malaysian Navy Veteran, 1980–1996)
• Key Themes: Naval Traditions, Indonesian Ports, Historical Landmarks, Cultural Reflections

1. Naval Tradition: Crossing the Equator

• The Certificate: Every sailor or ship crew member who successfully crosses the Earth's equator line is awarded a formal "Crossing the Equator" certificate.
• Significance: This represents a time-honored maritime rite of passage, transitioning sailors from "pollywogs" (untried sailors) to "shellbacks" (experienced mariners).

2. Port of Call Profile: Surabaya, East Java

Surabaya was a primary destination for KD Lekir during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Geographical & Economic Status

• Capital City: It serves as the capital of the East Java Province (Provinsi Jawa Timur).
• Scale: It is the second-largest city in Indonesia.
• Historical Moniker: Known as Kota Pahlawan (City of Heroes) due to the fierce patriotic struggle of its people against colonial forces to secure Indonesian Independence.

Maritime Infrastructure

• Tanjung Perak Port: The primary port entered by KD Lekir. It holds the status of being the second busiest port in Indonesia, surpassed only by Tanjung Priok in Jakarta. It acts as a vital domestic maritime hub connecting Surabaya to other Indonesian port cities.
• Ujung Port: Located adjacent to Tanjung Perak, this is a dedicated ferry port utilized for transporting passengers across to Madura Island.

KD Lekir Deployment Timeline (Surabaya)

The author logged three distinct visits to Surabaya while stationed aboard KD Lekir:

1. 1989 (Maiden voyage of KD Lekir to this port)
2. 1990
3. 1991 (On voyage return from Australia and New Zealand)

Based on the source text provided by Hj. Zulheimy Ma'amor, here is the story behind this specific photo:

• The Encounter: While stationed aboard the KD Lekir, the author met this same local girl during his port visits to Surabaya in both 1989 and 1991.
• The Location: She was found right outside the main entrance gates of the Tanjung Perak Port.
• Her Story: She wasn't just a passerby; she worked there helping her family run a small food business/stall located just outside the port area.

It’s a striking side-by-side comparison that serves as a beautiful time capsule—capturing not just her growth over those two years, but symbolizing the personal, human connections sailors made with locals during their overseas deployments.

3. Key Historical & Cultural Landmarks Visited

Sunan Ampel Mosque & Tomb

A major spiritual and architectural landmark visited by the crew during their shore leave.

Feature	Details
The Figure	Sunan Ampel (Raden Achmad Rachmatulloh), a highly revered Islamic scholar who passed away in 1481. He was entrusted by the King of Majapahit to spread Islamic teachings in the region, then known as Ampel Dento.
The Mosque	Built in 1421 AD by Raden Achmad and his followers, it stands as the second-largest mosque in Surabaya.
Architecture	A distinct fusion of ancient Javanese architectural design blending with deeply rooted Arab-Islamic nuances.
Symbolism	Features five unique Gapuro (gateways) which structurally symbolize the Five Pillars of Islam (Rukun Islam).

Makan Sunan Ampel, Surabaya

Pasar Turi - the legendary wholesale trading giant.

Tunjungan Plaza - the modern  high-end, urban entertainment. 

4. Other Regional Deployments

Tanjung Pinang, Riau Islands (June 1990)

• Geography: Capital city of the Riau Islands province, located south of Bintan Island, in close proximity to Singapore. It functions as a trading port linking the local islands.
• Historical Significance: Acted as the geopolitical center of the Malay world roughly 500 years ago. Notably, following the Portuguese attack on Malacca in 1511, Sultan Mahmud of Malacca retreated here to seek refuge.

Medan, Sumatra (1987)

• An earlier deployment in the author's naval career, visited while serving aboard the KD Sri Negri Sembilan.

5. Cultural Touchstones: The Tanjung Perak Song

The sights of Tanjung Perak Port frequently evoke nostalgia for a popular 1970s Indonesian Kroncong song. The lyrics highlight the vibrant, communal social life of Surabaya's coast:

"Tanjung perak tepi laut > Siapa suka boleh ikut > Bawa gitar keroncong piul > Jangan lupa bawa anggur..."

Summary Review Questions

1. Which Malaysian vessel visited Surabaya consecutively from 1989 to 1991? (Answer: KD Lekir)
2. What architectural features at the Sunan Ampel Mosque symbolize the Pillars of Islam? (Answer: The five Gapuro/gateways)
3. Why is Tanjung Pinang historically critical to the Malacca Sultanate? (Answer: It served as the refuge for Sultan Mahmud after Malacca fell to invaders in 1511).

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

5 June 2026: 3.32 a.m

MY NOTE BOOK > BROWN WATER NAVY - KD SRI REJANG (1983/84)

Here is a comprehensive, structured notebook based on the historical documentation and operational memoirs provided.

Operational Notebook: Brown Water Navy Operations & Counter-Insurgency in Sarawak (1964–1994)

Section 1: Conceptual Framework – "Brown Water" Naval Warfare

Understanding the foundational doctrine behind the operations conducted in East Malaysia.

Definition & Doctrine

A Brown Water Navy refers to a naval force specifically structured, trained, and equipped to execute military operations within inland waters and shallow coastal environments.

• Etymology: The term is derived from the muddy, sediment-heavy appearance of major inland river networks, heavily contrasting with the deep blue environments of open ocean fleets (Blue-Water Navies).
• Primary Mission Capabilities: Counter-insurgency (COIN), riverine patrols, tactical troop insertions, resource interdiction (cutting off supply chains), and close-range logistical support for land forces.

Comparative Analysis of Naval Forces

Feature	Brown-Water Navy	Green-Water Navy	Blue-Water Navy
Operational Area	Rivers, lakes, deltas, and shallow estuaries.	Littoral zones, regional seas, and coastal lines.	Deep open oceans and global maritime channels.
Vessel Design	Shallow-draft, lightweight, high-speed patrol crafts, river monitors.	Corvettes, medium-sized patrol ships, coastal craft.	Deep-draft ocean warships (Frigates, Destroyers, Aircraft Carriers).
Armament	Rapid-fire machine guns, grenade launchers, small light cannons.	Tactical anti-ship missiles, medium-caliber guns.	Long-range ballistic missiles, heavy naval artillery.

Strategic Evolution of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN)

• Post-Independence Era: RMN began essentially as a coastal/brown-water force aimed primarily at intercepting domestic insurgent supply lines during the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesian Confrontation.
• Modern Shift: Over the decades, RMN transformed into a regional Green-Water Navy, continuously building toward Blue-Water ocean capabilities.

Section 2: Strategic Commands & Operational Bases

RASCOM (Rajang Area Security Command)

• Establishment: Officially founded on March 25, 1972.
• Reference: Communist Insurgency in Sarawak
• Catalyst: Created in response to asymmetric warfare, political assassinations, and infrastructure sabotage carried out in Sarawak’s Third Division by communist guerrilla branches—specifically the Second Bureau of the North Kalimantan Communist Party (BKPKKU/NKCP) and the North Kalimantan People’s Army (PARAKU).
• Tri-Component Structure: Seamlessly integrated Military, Police, and Civilian/Awam administrations under a single unified banner, with the Chief Minister of Sarawak serving as the State Director of Operations.
• Geographical Jurisdiction: Covered the entirety of Sibu, Sarikei, and Kapit divisions.

KD Sri Rejang (Sibu, Sarawak)

• The Forward Base: Recognized as TLDM's sole strategic inland forward operational base deployed to eliminate communist activities along Sarawak's major river corridors.
• Timeline:  1964: Commenced covert operations originally at Simpang Tiga (situated between Kampung Hilir and Kampung Nangka).
• March 18, 1978: Officially commissioned by Defence Minister Tan Sri Hj Abdul Taib Mahmud.
• November 3, 1991: Decommissioned and handed over to the Territorial Army (Rejimen 510 Askar Wataniah), turning into Kem Sri Rejang.
• Leadership Profile:
• First Commanding Officer: Lt. Balagopal Pillai, TLDM.
• Operational Period (1983–1984) Commanders: Kdr. Tajuddin Bin Yahya followed by Kdr. Ahmad Kamal.

Section 3: Tactical Riverine Warfare – Operations & Assets

Fleet Specifications (Bot Lancang)

Small boat crews generally consisted of 5 to 6 cross-trained personnel: a Skipper (Boat Commander), 2 Seamen, 1 Motor Mechanic (TMK), and 1 Radio Operator (RO). They operated three distinct classes of vessels:

• RCP (Riverine Craft Personnel):
• Heavily utilized for combat patrols and armed logistics escort.
• Weapon Attachments: Outfitted with a 20 mm Oerlikon cannon, heavy-barrel L2A1 SLR rifles, and 7.62 mm light machine guns (LMG).
• Logistical load: Capable of transporting 105 mm howitzers and light tactical military vehicles.
• LCP (Landing Craft Personnel): Designed for swift troop transport and insertions along remote banks.
• LCM (Landing Craft Mechanised): Allocated for heavier logistical transport across rivers.

Operational Vulnerabilities

• Acoustic Signature: The loud engine noise produced by these riverine crafts compromised stealth, warning enemy combatants in thick foliage and increasing the risk of ambushes.
• High-Risk Geographies: Sections such as Sungai Assan, Sungai Naman, Sungai Setabau, and Sungai Nyemah were designated high-threat zones heavily populated by insurgents.

Joint Force Operations (Ops Jala Aman 1)

Riverine forces directly collaborated with multiple land components to track and neutralize threats along the Rajang river basin:

• 24th Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD)
• 8th Battalion, Royal Ranger Regiment
• 11th Regiment Gerak Khas (RGK / Commandos)
• 17th Battalion, Police Field Force (PPH / now PGA)
• Royal Malaysian Artillery
• Sarawak Border Scouts

Section 4: Critical Logbook Incidents & Intelligence Notes

Historical Milestones & Peace Operations

• 1973 (Operasi Aman): A major breakthrough when Bong Kee Chok led the arms surrender of 585 PKKU communist combatants.
• April 24, 1983 (Assan Naman Firefight): Intelligence flash reported several security personnel killed in action during a jungle ambush at the Assan Naman Forest Reserve.
• 1986: Mass surrender of 40 insurgent members led by Ubong anak Nuing—a feared local tracker who previously served as an Iban Tracker for British forces during the Malayan Emergency.
• October 17, 1990: Finality of the insurgency. The Peace Agreement between the Government and the PKKU was signed in Kuching; the final 52 active guerrillas laid down their weapons.
• November 9, 1994: RASCOM officially disbanded via a Cabinet meeting directive.

Notable Field Accidents & Fleet Logs

• November 1983 (Jetty Accident): An RCP vessel suffered a catastrophic internal gas leak explosion, causing it to sink at the Sri Igan Jetty. LK PPP Montaza Hj Amin suffered severe second-degree burns but survived. Safety regulations on all riverine craft were drastically tightened immediately after.
• January 8, 1984 (Sinking of KD Sri Perak): A major maritime tragedy occurred in the South China Sea when KD Sri Perak sank during heavy swells. Accompanying warships KD Hang Tuah and KD Sri Terengganu were diverted to shelter at the Sri Igan Jetty in Sibu. KD Sri Rejang's riverine boat crews stood by on emergency 24-hour alert.

Section 5: Tactical Geography (The Rajang River Network)

River patrols routinely monitored and anchored at these specific locations for logistics and crew rest:

• Sibu: Positioned at the convergence of the Rajang and Igan rivers, roughly 60 km inland from the ocean line.
• Kanowit: Dominated by the Iban community; location of the historic "Tragedi Pendam Bungkang" recounted by veteran border scouts.
• Kapit: Deep interior region comprising four main districts (Bukit Mabong, Belaga, Song, Kapit).
• Song : quiet riverside town and the capital of the Song District whithin Kapit Division of Sarawak. 
• Sarikei : Riverside town in Central Sarawak. Known as "Fruit Basket of Sarawak", famously recognised across Malaysi for its thriving agriculture, especially its sweet pineapples. 
• Nanga Gaat: Crucial data checkpoint where patrol vessels transmitted mandatory SITREPs (Situation Reports) at 0800 and 2000 hours daily. Features a landmark riverbank war memorial erected by British forces to honor 21 Commonwealth troops killed during the Confrontation.
• Bintangor (Formerly Binatang): A town in Meradong famous for its local orange orchards. Officially renamed by Taib Mahmud after the Bintangor tree (hypothesized for medical research).
• Belaga: Isolated deep inland zone located at the upper streams of the Rajang River. Home to diverse Orang Ulu sub-ethnic communities and site of the massive Bakun Dam project.

Belaga, Bintangor and Kanowit

Sarikei, Sarawak

Kapit, Sarawak

Sibu, Sarawak

Song, Sarawak

Radio Communicator @ KD Sri Rejang

     

809025 EX-LK KMR HJ ZULHEIMY BIN MAAMOR

(Ex-Crew of Riverine Craft at KD Sri Rejang, 1983-84)

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

5 June 2026: 8.25 p.m

FOTO KENANGAN: LANCHANG, PAHANG

Lanchang ialah sebuah pekan kecil yang terletak di antara bandar Karak dan Mentakab di negeri Pahang. Tarikan utama yang terdapat di Lanchang ialah Pusat Pemeliharaan Gajah di Kuala Gandah dan 'Deer Land Park' di Bukit Rengit. 

Di Lanchang juga sebuah tempat bersejarah yang dikenali sebagai Lubuk Terua, kerana di sinilah terlakarnya sejarah pertempuran Datuk Bahaman dan Mat Kilau menentang penjajahan British di Pahang. 

Sepanjang bertugas dengan Yayasan Jantung Malaysia, aku berkesempatan mengunjungi Lanchang, Pahang semasa menjalankan Program Kesedaran Penyakit Jantung Peringkat Komuniti 2014 di Kg Bolok Hulu Sokmik di Lanchang, Pahang pada 3 Mei 2014. 

Rujuk: Zulheimy Maamor > 2014: Kg. Bolok Hulu, Lanchang, Pahang

2014: KG. BOLOK HULU, LANCHANG

Program Komuniti yang dijalankan di Kg. Bolok Hulu Sokmik pada 11 Mei 2014. Sebuah perkampungan tradisional di daerah Lanchang, Pahang kira-kira 67 km dari Kuala Lumpur. 

Bukit Rengit terletak di daerah Lanchang, Pahang lebih kurang 1 jam 45 minit memandu dari Kuala Lumpur (49.9 km dari Temerloh, Pahang). 

Villa Rengit dimana kami menginap ketika program

Institut Biodiversity, Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara (PERHILITAN), Bukit Rengit adalah institusi pendidikan dan penyelidikan mengenai kepentingan untuk memelihara dan mengekalkan alam sekitar di kawasan hutan simpan kekal di seluruh negara. Ditubuhkan pada 1979, bertempat di Taman Negara ini telah menyediakan pelbagai program pendidikan dan mencintai alam sekitar. 

Pusat Konservasi Gajah Kebangsaan (PKGK) di Kuala Gandah terletak 15 km dari Pekan Lanchang, daerah Temerloh, Pahang.

Gajah-Gajah liar yang ditangkap akan dihantar ke pusat konservasi ini untuk dilindungi dan dilatih. Gajah-gajah ini kemudiannya akan ditempatkan semula di kawasan-kawasan perlindungan seperti di Taman Negara, Pahang. 

Rujuk: Zulheimy Maamor > 2014: Kuala Gandah, Lanchang, Pahang

Pekan Lanchang di Pahang

2015: FELDA LAKUM

FELDA Lakum terletak di Mukim Semantan, Daerah Temerloh. Nama FELDA Lakum diambil sempena nama sejenis pokok hutan yang terdapat didalam hutan Simpang Lakum. FELDA Lakum berjiran dengan FELDA Bukit Damar dan FELDA Mempaga. 

Yayasan Jantung Malaysia pernah mengadakan program Kesedaran Penyakit Jantung di FELDA Lakum pada 17 Mei 2015. 

Homestay dimana kami menginap ketika program

LAIN-LAIN DESTINASI DI PAHANG

Antara destinasi lain di Pahang dimana saya pernah lalui suatu ketika dahulu. 

Pulau Tioman antara destinasi rehat ketika bertugas di Kapal Peronda KD Panah tahun 1987. 

Kuala Lipis sebuah bandar bersejarah terletak di pertemuan Sungai Jelai dan Sungai Lipis. Kuala Lipis pernah menjadi ibu negeri Pahang yang pertama dari tahun 1898 hingga 1955, apabila kemudian ibu negeri dipindahkan ke Kuantan, Pahang. 

Lebuhraya Pantai Timur antara Lebuhraya yang sering menjadi laluan saya dan rakan-rakan sekerja apabila ada program di sebelah Pantai Timur. 

Foto Kenangan antara laluan yang pernah saya lalui dahulu

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

5 Jun 2026: 3.00 p.m