How the Chinese Migrated to Borneo, Sarawak

The Chinese community in Sarawak, part of Malaysian Borneo, forms the second-largest ethnic group in the state, following behind the indigenous Iban people as of 2023. This community has been integral to Sarawak’s social, cultural, and economic landscape. The origins of the Chinese population in Sarawak are deeply rooted in migration, beginning with trade interactions dating back to the 7th century, followed by later waves of settlers in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The migration of Chinese people to Borneo, particularly Sarawak, is a fascinating chapter in Southeast Asian history, marked by centuries of trade, cultural exchanges, and economic contributions. The roots of this migration can be traced back to the 7th century during the Tang dynasty, laying the foundation for the large-scale Chinese presence in Sarawak in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Early Chinese Contact with Borneo (600 A.D.)

The relationship between China and Borneo, known as Po Li in ancient Chinese records, began as early as 600 A.D. under the Tang dynasty (618–907 A.D.). During this period, China expanded its maritime trade routes, connecting with Southeast Asia, including Borneo, Java, and Sumatra. This early contact set the stage for later Chinese migration, with Chinese envoys and merchants exchanging goods such as ceramics, silk, and spices with local communities.

Archaeological excavations at Santubong, located near Kuching, revealed that the site was an important trading port from the 7th century to the 14th century. The discovery of Chinese ceramics, iron slag, and artifacts related to Hinduism illustrates the vibrant trade network that existed in the region. The presence of these Chinese artifacts at Santubong underscores its role as a hub for trade between Chinese merchants and local populations, further illustrating the depth of early interactions between China and Borneo.

The First Waves of Chinese Migration

While Chinese merchants had established trading links with Borneo centuries earlier, the first significant wave of migration to Sarawak occurred in the 1830s. Most of these early migrants were Hakka people from Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) who moved to Bau, Sarawak, seeking work in the region's gold mines. By 1857, the Hakka community had grown considerably, but their discontent with James Brooke’s governance led to the Bau Revolt. This attempt to overthrow Brooke was suppressed, marking an important moment in the history of Chinese resistance and integration into Sarawak’s social fabric.

The Role of the Brooke Dynasty in Encouraging Migration

After the initial tensions subsided, successive Brooke rulers recognized the value of Chinese settlers in Sarawak’s economic development. James Brooke's successors, particularly Charles Brooke, encouraged more Chinese to migrate, recognizing their industriousness and contribution to agriculture and trade. By the late 19th century, Charles Brooke actively implemented policies to encourage group migrations from China, leading to the arrival of different Chinese communities such as the Hakka, Foochow, Cantonese, and Henghua.

These Chinese settlers were instrumental in developing Sarawak’s agriculture, particularly in pepper and rubber plantations, as well as sago processing. They also played a vital role in the region's mining sector, contributing significantly to the economy through their labor and commercial activities.

The Economic Contributions of Chinese Migrants

Chinese immigrants became an essential part of Sarawak's economic landscape, involved in a range of industries. Opium trading, gambling, and mining were among the sectors where they contributed significantly to government revenues. As their population grew, Chinese settlers controlled many aspects of Sarawak’s commerce, including the processing of agricultural products like sago and pepper. The establishment of Chinese business councils and chambers further solidified their economic influence.

Diversification of the Chinese Population

By the early 20th century, Sarawak’s Chinese population had diversified, with various dialect groups arriving in waves. Each community contributed uniquely to Sarawak's economy and culture. The Foochow people, for instance, became renowned for their rubber plantations, while the Cantonese and Hokkien dominated trade and business sectors. These communities brought their distinct customs, dialects, and traditions, enriching Sarawak’s multicultural landscape. Today, the Chinese community remains linguistically diverse, with major dialects such as Hokkien, Hakka, Foochow, Teochew, and Cantonese spoken across the state. Despite their varied origins, Mandarin serves as a lingua franca among these groups, promoting unity while preserving their unique dialects.

Challenges During Economic Downturns

Despite their contributions, Chinese migrants faced challenges, especially during periods of economic downturn. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, during the Great Depression, many Chinese were forced to return to mainland China due to harsh economic conditions. However, this was a temporary setback, as migration picked up again in the mid-1930s.

Lasting Legacy of Chinese Migration in Sarawak

By the mid-20th century, the Chinese population in Sarawak had become well-established, with various dialect groups such as the Hakka, Foochow, Cantonese, and Teochew contributing significantly to the region’s development. The Brooke dynasty’s pragmatic approach to encouraging Chinese migration ensured that these communities became deeply embedded in Sarawak’s economy, culture, and society.