The story of Kiyai Salleh and his "Tentera Selempang Merah" (Red Band Army) is a powerful and complex chapter in Malaysian history, particularly during the volatile period following the Japanese surrender in 1945.
Who was Kiyai Salleh?
Born Salleh bin Abdul Karim, he was a local leader in Batu Pahat, Johor. He wasn't a career soldier but a religious figure and a practitioner of silat (traditional martial arts). He rose to prominence when the power vacuum left by the Japanese led to intense ethnic friction and violence between local communities and the MPAJA (Malayan People's Anti-Japanese Army).
The "Red Band" Army
The name comes from the red sashes (Selempang Merah) worn by his followers. According to local lore and historical accounts, these sashes were more than just a uniform—they were believed to be imbued with spiritual protection and "invulnerability" through prayers and Islamic mysticism.
- The Mission: Primarily, the group was formed to defend the Malay villages in the Muar and Batu Pahat districts against attacks and perceived oppression by the MPAJA.
- The Tactics: They were known for their fierce bravery and "amok" style of charging into battle, often using traditional weapons like the parang (machete) against better-armed opponents.
- The Outcome: The conflict was bloody, but Kiyai Salleh is often credited with stabilizing the region for the Malay population before the British Military Administration could fully take control.
Legacy and Context
In modern Malaysia, Kiyai Salleh is often remembered as a folk hero and a "Defender of the Race," though the period remains a sensitive topic because it highlights the deep-seated communal tensions of the mid-1940s. He eventually transitioned back to a quieter life and passed away in 1959, but his legend remains a staple of Johor’s local history.
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