"Operation Semut I"

by Bob Long

Parachuting behind Japanese lines, operatives of Semut I “Z” Special Unit, relate the sheer hell of soldiering in jungle-covered Borneo with native head hunters while traversing precipitous mountain terrain, raging river torrents, and enduring ever rampant illness and food shortage.
At the height of success, Semut I operatives and local guerrilla forces controlled an area of 16,000 square miles containing nearly 125,000 people.
Armed originally with blow-pipes, poisoned darts and parangs and led by lone “Z” operatives, the native guerrillas were later upgraded to rifles and sub-machine guns, abruptly launching them into the use of 20th century weaponry. Under “Z” Special leaders, revenge was gained against the enemy in blood thirsty encounters, thereby atoning to some degree for the vicious atrocities perpetrated against the Borneo population during the three and a half years occupation of this island.