The Japanese Occupation of Borneo, 1941-45

By Ooi Keat Gin

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About the Book

This book examines the Japanese occupation of both British Borneo – Brunei, Sarawak and North Borneo – and Dutch Borneo in 1941-45, which is a much understudied subject. The occupation of Dutch Borneo, governed by the Imperial Japanese Navy, who had plans for "permanent possession" and the building of a model overseas Japanese colony, is of particular interest. The book surveys Borneo under Western colonialism, examines prewar Japanese interest in Borneo, and analyses the invasion and occupation. It goes on to consider the nature of Japanese rule in Borneo, contrasting the different regimes of the Imperial Japanese Army, which ruled the north, and the navy, and discussing a wide range of issues including collaboration and resistance, the incorporation of the economy in the Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere and the effects of this on Borneo’s economy, the relationship with the various indigenous inhabitants, with Islam and the Muslim community, and the Chinese, acculturation and propaganda, and major uprisings and mass executions. The book also examines the effects of the Japanese surrender, and the impact of the subsequent interregnum and Australian and British administrations, including issues such as collaboration, the struggle for Indonesian independence and movements for local autonomy.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2. Borneo under Western Colonialism 3. Prewar Japanese Interest of 4. Borneo in Imperial Japanese Strategic and Military Design 5. Invasion and Occupation of Borneo, 1941-1942 6. Borneo under Imperial Japan, 1941-1945 7. End of an Era 8. Conclusion