IN a quiet village in Sarawak, an 81-year-old war hero reminisces about a life of valour, sacrifice and service to his country.
Corporal (rtd) Ringgit Injing, once a fierce young soldier of the 1st Battalion Malaysia Ranger, is now a gentle elder, enjoying the peaceful simplicity of retirement.
But his journey was anything but easy, marked by intense battles, personal loss and a steadfast commitment to his duty.
Born and raised in Nanga Jagoi, Kanowit, Ringgit’s early life was shaped by the challenges of rural Sarawak.
He received his early education in his hometown before advancing to secondary school in Kapit but unfortunately, like many from underprivileged backgrounds, his academic journey was cut short.
“My father died when I was a toddler, and due to financial constraints, my family couldn’t support my education beyond Form Three,” he recalls.
Despite the hardship, opportunity soon knocked on his door. “I learned about army recruitment and decided to apply,” Ringgit says, reflecting on what he now sees as the turning point of his life.
In 1963, at just 18 years of age, he enlisted in the Malaysian Army.
The call to serve
Ringgit’s enlistment came at a critical time for Sarawak. The 1960s were fraught with political turmoil, marked by the Indonesian-Malaysian Confrontation, also known as the Borneo Confrontation.
This conflict, driven by Indonesia’s opposition to the formation of Malaysia, threatened the stability of Sarawak and other regions. At the same time, communist insurgencies further strained the region’s security.
After enlisting, Ringgit and his fellow recruits from Sarawak were sent to Ulu Tiram, Johor, where they waited for two weeks before their training commenced. The young recruit, barely an adult, had no inkling of the challenges ahead. “We didn’t know what was coming,” he admits.
His rigorous military training continued in Sungai Patani, Kedah. During this period, a special visit from the respected leader, Temenggong Tun Jugah, left a lasting impression on Ringgit and his peers.
“Tun Jugah’s words of wisdom and encouragement inspired us to embrace our training with honour and dedication,” Ringgit recalls fondly.
Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Edward Gopsil, Ringgit began his career in the 1st Battalion Malaysia Ranger, where he served as a radio operator. Little did he know, he would soon be thrust into combat.
The battles that defined his service
Barely a year after completing his training, Ringgit found himself on the frontlines of the Indonesian-Malaysian Confrontation.
He was part of three intense operations, two at Bukit Kelingkang and one at Bukit Tunggal, in 1964 and 1965. These were no ordinary skirmishes; they were critical engagements that would help shape the outcome of the conflict.
The Battle of Bukit Kelingkang, one of the most significant of these operations, was etched deeply into his memory.
Located in the rugged terrain of Sarawak, Bukit Kelingkang was strategically important, offering a vantage point over the surrounding area. Indonesian forces, intent on destabilising Malaysia, attempted to seize the hill.
“We were tasked with defending the hill against the Indonesian incursion,” Ringgit says. “Despite being outnumbered and facing harsh jungle conditions, we fought valiantly to repel the enemy.”
The battle was fierce. Close combat engagements, intense firefights and ambushes were commonplace. The dense jungle, unpredictable weather and rugged terrain added to the challenges. Yet, Ringgit and his fellow Rangers stood their ground.
“We successfully defended Bukit Kelingkang, inflicting heavy casualties on the Indonesian forces,” he recounts with quiet pride.
The Rangers’ defense of Bukit Kelingkang not only secured a key strategic position but also bolstered the morale of the Commonwealth forces fighting alongside them. It was a testament to their determination, courage, and unyielding loyalty to their country.
Recognition and honours
Ringgit’s service did not go unrecognised. In 2019, he was awarded the Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Negara (PJPN) twice for his exemplary contributions to Malaysia’s security. His valour was further acknowledged in 2023 when he received the prestigious Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Malaysia (PJPM). These accolades solidified his reputation as a true patriot.
Now 81, Ringgit reflects on his military service with humility. “We were just doing our duty,” he says, brushing off the hero label that others have bestowed upon him.
But for his community, Ringgit remains a symbol of dedication and sacrifice, an individual who gave his all for his country’s safety.
Life after service
After leaving the 1st Battalion Malaysia Ranger, Ringgit joined the Border Scout in the 1980s before moving to the police force, where he served until his retirement in 2003. Adjusting to life outside of uniform was not easy, but Ringgit found solace in the simplicity of village life.
Since his retirement, he has lived quietly in his village (at Tuai Rumah Shamsudin , Machan, Kanowit), contributing to his community, tending to his garden, and spending time with his family. His neighbours hold him in high regard, not just for his military service, but for his integrity and humility.
In 2023, Ringgit faced a profound personal loss — the death of his beloved wife, Chenda Mandi, his partner of 57 years.
“Her passing left a void that seemed insurmountable,” he says softly. Despite the grief, Ringgit has remained composed, finding strength in the love and memories they shared over nearly six decades.
A legacy of service
Ringgit’s life, marked by service, sacrifice and resilience, is a testament to the values that have defined Malaysia’s veterans. But for Ringgit, his journey is not only about the past. He remains hopeful for the future, especially for his fellow veterans.
“The government should prioritise and take care of the welfare of veterans,” he says. “We dedicated our lives to serving the country, enduring hardships and risking our lives. It’s only fair that the government recognises our contributions.”
For Ringgit, ensuring the well-being of veterans is not just an act of gratitude, but a moral obligation.
“By taking care of us, the government honours the values of loyalty, duty and patriotism we upheld during our service,” he emphasises.
As Ringgit Injing enjoys his golden years, surrounded by the tranquility of his village, his legacy endures.
He is a living reminder of the courage, sacrifice and dedication that defined a generation of Sarawakian soldiers. His story, from the hills of Bukit Kelingkang to the quiet streets of his village, is one of resilience and patriotism, an inspiring tale of a man who answered the call of duty and served with unwavering dedication.
His hope is that future generations never forget the sacrifices of those who came before, and that veterans like him receive the recognition and support they so rightly deserve.
