BEAUFORT: A long-forgotten female warrior of Sabah’s past is finally being brought into the spotlight, following the launch of a historical study titled “Srikandi Dang Insum: Women’s Heroism in the History of Sabah”.
The study, initiated by the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) Sabah, was officiated by IDS Chairperson Datuk Seri Azizah Mohd Dun, here, on Wednesday.
Azizah said the research aims to document the legacy of Dang Insum, a lesser-known yet symbolically powerful female figure remembered for her courage, wisdom and leadership.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“This study is not merely an effort to revisit the past. It is about restoring the voices and roles of women in the narrative of Sabah’s development, defence and civilisation,” she said during the launch.
She described Dang Insum as a woman of strength and integrity, whose contributions have long been overlooked in mainstream historical records dominated by male figures.
Highlighting the presence of a memorial monument dedicated to Dang Insum in Kampung Padas Damit, Azizah called for the site to be recognised as a heritage attraction and developed into a historical and cultural tourism destination.
“The monument is more than just a marker of remembrance. It has the potential to become a significant heritage site which is similar to the Mahsuri Mausoleum in Langkawi,” she said.
She urged relevant government bodies including the District Office, Sabah Museum, State Archives and the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to support efforts in preserving and promoting the site.
Azizah highlighted the importance of incorporating digital innovation in heritage preservation.
She proposed developing interactive digital content based on the findings of the study, such as virtual exhibitions, QR codes embedded with historical information, digital storytelling platforms and on-site interpretive panels and community-based educational activities.
“We hope the monument can be transformed into a meaningful educational tourism site with a complete with interpretive boards, a small gallery, and community engagement, so that the story of Dang Insum lives on in the hearts of Sabahans,” she said.
She believes this project can help grow the local economy by attracting tourists from within the country who appreciate history and culture.
She also urged that the Dang Insum monument in Kota Makarang be officially declared a Historical Heritage Site, emphasising that this recognition could create new tourism opportunities and support local businesses.
“I encourage the Beaufort District Office and Sabah Museum to act quickly to get this heritage status approved, so our plans and hopes can come true,” she said.
The study is expected to culminate in the publication of a book chronicling the life and contributions of Dang Insum, which could serve as a reference for academics, educators and the public.
Azizah hopes that the project would spark broader efforts to highlight the stories of other women who played significant roles in shaping Sabah’s past.
“These women were not mere bystanders in history, but they were pillars of strength in our society. Their stories deserve to be told,” she said.
She also extended gratitude to the team of researchers involved in the project and appealed to all stakeholders for their continued support in completing and publishing the study.
Also present were Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ruslan Muharam, GRS Women’s Coordinator for Zone 3 Datuk Surinam Sadikun, Sabah Museum Director Arif Abd Hamid and District Officer Mohd Nazri Ajun.
