The battle was Indonesia's last major raid into Malaysian territory and contributed to the political collapse that ended the Borneo Confrontation.
Key Facts
- Date
- 27 April 1965
- Attacker force ratio
- At least 5 to 1 against British garrison
- Duration of firefight
- Approximately two hours
- British unit
- B Company, 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment
- Notable award
- Distinguished Conduct Medal to Sgt-Major John Williams
- Conflict ended
- Peace treaty signed August 1966
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation, Indonesian forces sought to undermine the creation of the Malaysian state by conducting raids across the border into Sarawak. On 27 April 1965, a crack Indonesian battalion launched a surprise assault on the British hilltop base at Plaman Mapu, hoping to overrun the small garrison.
In the early hours of 27 April 1965, Indonesian soldiers attacked 'B' Company, 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment at Plaman Mapu. Outnumbered at least five to one, the British garrison repelled the assault after two hours of intense fighting. Relief units arrived by helicopter after the battle had already concluded, and Sergeant-Major John Williams received a Distinguished Conduct Medal for his leadership.
The failed assault proved a propaganda disaster for Indonesia and was the last major Indonesian raid into Malaysian territory. Dissent over President Sukarno's handling of the conflict grew, contributing to a military revolt on 30 September 1965. Sukarno's rivals used the unrest to blame him and the PKI, accelerating the wind-down of the Confrontation and a peace treaty in August 1966, after which Sukarno was forced from office.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
John Williams (Acting CO, Sergeant-Major).
Side B
1 belligerent