Following the 1962
Brunei revolt, Bukit Pagon was a strategic site in the final phase of the
Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation. In December 1962, Harrison Force, composed of two thousand
Iban irregulars, was deployed south of Brunei and succeeded in capturing around 100 of the
North Kalimantan National Army (TNKU) and
Clandestine Communist Organisation. Later in the month, Lieutenant Rupert van der Horst of
42 Commando led a patrol to investigate intelligence about a TNKU baseon Bukit Pagon. The seven-day operation lasted more than ten days, with the Marines having to rummage around for food. Intelligence eventually discovered that Indonesian Lieutenant Sumbi and his men were moving toward Bukit Pagon, located near the Sungei Pasia river, which would provide a water route to safety. In June 1966, Sumbi had crossed over into Brunei with 50 men, leading to a mass search by British and Commonwealth forces, including the 1/7th
Gurkha Rifles and the
Gurkha Parachute Company. The operation, which had been sparked by the discovery of a tin coffee label, led to a two-week search across rugged terrain around Bukit Pagon. Eventually, Lieutenant Colonel Carroll initiated intensified operations with the approval of HQ Central Brigade. By 3 September 1966, 46 of the original 50 insurgents were dead or captured, with the last four being arrested shortly afterwards by the
Royal Brunei Malay Regiment. Sumbi himself was captured near Bukit Pagon, which effectively ended the incursion and coincided with the conclusion of the Confrontation. == Flora and fauna ==