Panaga
{{Short description|Village in Brunei}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Panaga
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| settlement_type = Village
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
| total_width = 260
| border = infobox
| perrow = 2/2
| caption_align = center
| image1 = Rancangan Perumahan Negara (RPN) Kampong Panaga.jpg
| image2 = Panaga 1 October 2022 03.jpg
| image3 = Panaga 17 July 2022 02.jpg
| image4 = Panaga 17 July 2022 04.jpg
}}
| image_caption = Clockwise from top left: Panaga 2000 Housing, Panaga Golf Club, Panaga Health, Panaga Police Station
| pushpin_map = Brunei
| pushpin_label_position = none
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Brunei
| coordinates = {{coord|4.601786|114.291905|region:BN_type:adm3rd|display=inline,title|format=dms}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = Brunei
| subdivision_type1 = District
| subdivision_type2 = Mukim
| subdivision_name1 = Belait
| subdivision_name2 = Seria
| postal_code_type = Postcode
| postal_code = KB4533
| official_name =
| population_total = 10,301
| population_as_of = 2021
| population_footnotes = {{Cite web |date=October 2021 |title=Annex B |url=https://deps.mofe.gov.bn/DEPD%20Documents%20Library/DOS/POP/2021/ANNEX%20B.pdf |access-date=23 January 2024 |website=DEPS.MoFE.gov.bn |publisher=Department of Economic Planning and Statistics, Ministry of Finance and Economy}}
| leader_title = Village head
| leader_name = {{ubil|Ariffin Abdullah (Area A & B)|Khairul Abidin (Area C)}}{{Cite book |url=https://www.moha.gov.bn/Downloads/2023/DirektoriPMKK_V04%20APRIL2024.pdf |title=BUKU DIREKTORI TELEFON PENGHULU-PENGHULU MUKIM DAN KETUA-KETUA KAMPUNG NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM |date=April 2024 |publisher=Bahagian Perancangan Daerah, Ministry of Home Affairs |volume=4 |location=Brunei |pages=21 |language=ms}}
}}
Kampong Panaga ({{Langx|ms|Kampung Panaga}}) or commonly known as Panaga, is a village-level subdivision under Mukim Seria, Belait District.{{Cite web|url=http://www.information.gov.bn/PublishingImages/SitePages/Publication%20Lists/BelaitDistrict.pdf|title=Belait District|last=|first=|date=|website=www.information.gov.bn|page=9|access-date=2018-02-26}} The postcode for Panaga is KB4533.{{Cite web|url=http://post.gov.bn/SitePages/postcodes.aspx|title=Brunei Postal Services - postcodes|website=post.gov.bn|language=en-GB|access-date=2018-02-26}}{{Cite web|url=https://brn.postcodebase.com/all/kb4533|title=Panaga, Seria, Belait: KB4533 {{!}} Brunei Postcode|website=brn.postcodebase.com|language=en|access-date=2018-02-26}}
Geography
A new species called Cytherelloidea panagaensis, named for Panaga was discovered close to the Panaga rivulet's mouth. The species has been extensively studied in Seria and off Sabah, with occurrences at depths of up to {{Convert|96|m}}. It is represented by a female carapace (holotype).{{Cite journal |last=Keij |first=A. J. |date=1964 |title=Neogene to Recent Species of Cytherelloidea (Ostracoda) from Northwestern Borneo |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/1484651?searchText=Panaga&searchUri=/action/doBasicSearch?Query=Panaga&so=rel&ab_segments=0/basic_search_gsv2/control&refreqid=fastly-default:6c1eb6e01692fa846064d8de75221976&seq=7 |journal=Micropaleontology |volume=10 |issue=4 |pages=421 |doi=10.2307/1484651 |issn=0026-2803 |jstor=1484651|url-access=subscription }}
History
During the 8 December 1962 Brunei revolt, rebels from the Brunei People's Party, with assistance from the North Kalimantan National Army, launched an assault on the Seria oil town and the Panaga police station.{{Cite journal |last1=Kam |first1=Stefanie |date=August 2016 |editor-last=Gunaratna |editor-first=Rohan |title=Southeast Asia: Brunei |journal=Handbook of Terrorism in the Asia–Pacific |language=en |publisher=World Scientific |volume=10 |pages=146 |doi=10.1142/p1093 |isbn=978-1-78326-997-6}} Indians in Seria were initially unaware of the violence unfolding elsewhere until some were captured by the rebels and used as human shields in an attack on the police station. As rumours spread, the community faced fear and uncertainty, with some taking refuge in their homes while others were held captive.{{Cite journal |last=Menon |first=Sridevi |date=2016 |title=Narrating Brunei: Travelling histories of Brunei Indians |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24734801?searchText=Panaga+brunei&searchUri=/action/doBasicSearch?Query=Panaga+brunei&so=rel&ab_segments=0/basic_search_gsv2/control&refreqid=fastly-default:e6d4361d64a592d008e2a8f57067037d&seq=41 |journal=Modern Asian Studies |publisher=Cambridge University Press |volume=50 |issue=2 |pages=758 |issn=0026-749X |jstor=24734801}} Despite the rebel efforts to seize control of the police station, it was repelled and remained unoccupied throughout, marking a dramatic and terrifying moment in the community's history.{{Cite book |last=Dr Muhammad Hadi bin Muhammad Melayong |first= |title=The Catalyst Towards Victory |date=2010 |publisher=Brunei History Centre |isbn=978-99917-34-71-2 |location=Bandar Seri Begawan |pages=125 |language=en}}
Panaga played a role in several key events during the revolt, including the military campaign to retake Anduki Airfield. The operation utilised Panaga Golf Course, located {{Convert|8|km}} west of the airstrip, as a landing site for five RAF Pioneers. Despite challenging terrain, these aircraft successfully deployed troops, enabling a swift government takeover of Anduki. Additionally, Panaga School served as an emergency headquarters, equipped with security provisions, a powerful radio transmitter linked to Singapore's military base, and secret evacuation plans for BSP staff in the event of an invasion.{{Cite book |last=Chanin |first=Eileen |title=Limbang Rebellion: Seven Days in December 1962 |date=2014 |publisher=Pen and Sword Books |isbn=978-1-4738-3195-7 |location=Barnsley |language=en}}
Infrastructure
File:Brunei Shell Petroleum Head Office in 2025 06.jpg
Panaga is home to several key facilities, including the headquarters of Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP), which serves as the central hub for the company's operations.{{Cite web |last=Liza Mohd |date=1 October 2009 |title=His Majesty officiates BSP's 80th anniversary |url=http://www.sultanate.com/news_server/2009/1_oct_1.html |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=www.sultanate.com |publisher=Borneo Bulletin}}{{Cite web |last=Aziz Idris |last2=Syafiq Affendy |last3=Nazirul Hakeem A |date=23 January 2013 |title=Queen Beatrix tours BSP Head Office |url=http://www.sultanate.com/news_server/2013/23_jan_2.html |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=www.sultanate.com |publisher=Borneo Bulletin}} The Panaga police station, built in 1956,{{Cite book |title=Brunei 1956 |date=1957 |publisher=Her Majesty's Stationery Office |location=London |publication-date=211 |language=en}} after undergoing several refurbishments, was officially reopened on 3 June 2019,{{Cite web |last=Lim |first=Daniel |date=4 June 2019 |title=Balai Polis Panaga dibuka semula |url=https://mediapermata.com.bn/balai-polis-panaga-dibuka-semula/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203183057/https://mediapermata.com.bn/balai-polis-panaga-dibuka-semula/ |archive-date=3 December 2024 |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=mediapermata.com.bn |publisher=Media Permata Online |language=ms}} while the Brunei Shell Fire Station, also owned by BSP, provides essential emergency services to the area.{{Cite web |date=28 May 2008 |title=Brunei Shell Petroleum Fire Station |url=https://www.fire-engine-photos.com/picture/number8265 |access-date=6 February 2023 |website=www.Fire-Engine-Photos.com |publisher=Fire Engines Photos}} Additionally, Panaga Health, formerly known as Panaga Health Centre, was rebranded on 16 March 2022 to enhance healthcare services, marking its 54th anniversary and offering facilities to both the community and BSP clients.{{Cite web |last=Lim |first=Daniel |date=17 March 2022 |title=Panaga Health Centre dijenamakan semula |url=https://mediapermata.com.bn/panaga-health-centre-dijenamakan-semula/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809011641/https://mediapermata.com.bn/panaga-health-centre-dijenamakan-semula/ |archive-date=9 August 2024 |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=mediapermata.com.bn |publisher=Media Permata Online |language=ms}} Furthermore, Panaga is home to BSP's solar plant, which launched in 2025 and features nearly 7,000 solar panels, supporting Brunei's renewable energy goals and helping reduce carbon emissions.{{Cite web |date=28 July 2022 |title=Royalty visit Supa Save |url=https://borneobulletin.com.bn/royalty-visit-supa-save/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731022802/https://borneobulletin.com.bn/royalty-visit-supa-save/ |archive-date=31 July 2024 |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=borneobulletin.com.bn |publisher=Borneo Bulletin Online |language=en-US}}
The Berry Bridge was built around 1940. It is located on the main road between Seria and Kuala Belait, near the entrance to Panaga 2000 Housing, with a length of 100 feet and a width of 30 feet. This bridge is the oldest in Belait District, built by BSP, and is still in use today.{{Cite book |last=Haji Adanan Haji Abd. Latiff |title=Kenali Negara Kitani: Tempat-Tempat Eksotik |publisher=Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka |year=2012 |isbn=978-99917-0-855-3 |location=Bandar Seri Begawan |pages=153 |language=ms}}
= Education =
File:Panaga 30 May 2023 10.jpg
Panaga is home to several educational institutions, including both public and private schools. These include Hornbill School Brunei{{Cite web |date=12 December 2023 |title=Crown Prince visits British Forces Brunei |url=https://borneobulletin.com.bn/crown-prince-visits-british-forces-brunei/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=borneobulletin.com.bn |publisher=Borneo Bulletin Online |language=en-US}} and Panaga School,{{Cite web |last=Lim |first=Daniel |date=22 September 2024 |title=Panaga School students on top at spelling bee contest |url=https://borneobulletin.com.bn/panaga-school-students-on-top-at-spelling-bee-contest/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=borneobulletin.com.bn |publisher=Borneo Bulletin Online |language=en-US}} which are private institutions, as well as Panaga Primary School{{Cite web |date=2025-02-01 |title=Belait receives humanitarian aid, flood relief |url=https://borneobulletin.com.bn/belait-receives-humanitarian-aid-flood-relief/ |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=borneobulletin.com.bn |publisher=Borneo Bulletin Online |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Lim |first=Daniel |date=26 June 2019 |title=Jom Raya SR Panaga meriah |url=https://mediapermata.com.bn/jom-raya-sr-panaga-meriah/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113174913/https://mediapermata.com.bn/jom-raya-sr-panaga-meriah/ |archive-date=13 January 2023 |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=mediapermata.com.bn |publisher=Media Permata Online |language=ms}} and Panaga Religious School,{{Cite web |last=Noraisah Muhammed |date=7 January 2016 |title=Berita 2016 - Sesi persekolahan agama bermula |url=https://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Lists/Berita%202016/NewDisplayForm.aspx?ID=7842&ContentTypeId=0x0100C24655BC59DE97409F6389F990C938DB |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn |publisher=Pelita Brunei |language=ms}} both of which are public schools. Additionally, the International School Brunei (ISB) Centre for Inclusive Learning operates in the area, providing specialised educational support.{{Cite news |date=21 June 2021 |title=Centre for inclusive learning officially opens |url=https://borneobulletin.com.bn/centre-for-inclusive-learning-officially-opens/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621102401/https://borneobulletin.com.bn/centre-for-inclusive-learning-officially-opens/ |archive-date=2021-06-21 |access-date=2025-02-06 |work=Borneo Bulletin Online}}
= Public housing =
Between April 2009 and April 2011, Bina Puri Holdings constructed 1,200 terrace houses and 800 semi-detached homes as part of the Brunei Economic Development Board's pilot project in Panaga. Awarded for B$288.7 million, the project incorporated modern features such as fibre-to-the-home internet, a vacuum sewerage system, steel tunnel formwork, and land preparation for future commercial and community facilities. The semi-detached units have a floor area of {{Convert|131.1|m2}}, while the terrace houses measure 127.5 square metres, all organised into six precincts with distinct colour schemes. On 30 June 2011, the Housing Development Department (HDD) under the Ministry of Development (MoD) officially received the 2,000 houses in a handover ceremony attended by senior government officials, during which the dummy key was presented to the MoD and subsequently to the HDD.{{Cite news |last=Azlan Othman |date=1 July 2011 |title=2,000 hi-tech houses ready: BEDB hands over to Housing Dev Dept |url=https://www.binapuri.com.my/CMS/Images/UploadedDocument/DOC000000374.pdf |access-date=6 February 2025 |work=www.binapuri.com.my |publisher=Borneo Bulletin |pages=1}}{{Cite news |last=Fitri Shahminan |date=1 July 2011 |title=2,000 houses turned over to gov't |url=https://www.binapuri.com.my/CMS/Images/UploadedDocument/DOC000000374.pdf |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=www.binapuri.com.my |publisher=The Brunei Times |pages=A4}} The housing area has since been known as RPN Kampong Panaga 2000,{{Cite web |last=Hajah Saemah Kepli |date=19 February 2018 |title=Operasi cegah jenayah di RPN Kg Panaga 2000 |url=https://mediapermata.com.bn/operasi-cegah-jenayah-di-rpn-kg-panaga-2000/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=mediapermata.com.bn |publisher=Media Permata Online |language=ms}} or simply Panaga 2000 Housing.{{Cite web |last=Salawati Haji Yahya |date=20 October 2022 |title=Makluman kerja pembaikan di Jalan Tengah |url=https://mediapermata.com.bn/makluman-kerja-pembaikan-di-jalan-tengah/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=mediapermata.com.bn |publisher=Media Permata Online |language=ms}}
= Recreation =
The Village Consultative Council of Panaga has organised various activities in the Panaga Lagoon region to showcase local projects and efforts aimed at village progress, while also fostering family ties and communal development.{{Cite web |last=Lim |first=Daniel |date=17 June 2024 |title=Riadah keluarga erat silaturahim |url=https://mediapermata.com.bn/riadah-keluarga-erat-silaturahim/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=mediapermata.com.bn |publisher=Media Permata Online |language=ms}}{{Cite web |last=Lim |first=Daniel |date=26 November 2023 |title=Family-oriented fun at Panaga Lagoon |url=https://borneobulletin.com.bn/family-oriented-fun-at-panaga-lagoon/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=borneobulletin.com.bn |publisher=Borneo Bulletin Online |language=en-US}} In addition to these community initiatives, the area is home to two recreational clubs, the Panaga Club and the Brunei Shell Recreational Club (BSRC),{{Cite web |date=4 August 2024 |title=Her Royal Highness joins Borneo Run |url=https://borneobulletin.com.bn/her-royal-highness-joins-borneo-run/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=borneobulletin.com.bn |publisher=Borneo Bulletin Online |language=en-US}} which primarily serve BSP employees and expatriates. The BSRC Football Club, founded in 2004, is also based in Panaga, further contributing to the area's recreational and social scene.{{Cite web |title=BSRC FC |url=https://the-fabd.com/team/bsrc-fc/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204183638/https://the-fabd.com/team/bsrc-fc/ |archive-date=4 December 2024 |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=the-fabd.com |publisher=Football Association of Brunei Darussalam |language=en-US}}
Notable people
- Pengiran Khairul Khalil (born 1975), former prince consort{{Cite web |last=Tengkusyah |date=2013-02-25 |title=Maharum Bugis Syah (MBS): Kenali Menantu-Menantu Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam |url=http://tengkusyah.blogspot.com/2013/02/kenali-menantu-menantu-sultan-haji.html |access-date=2023-10-06 |website=Maharum Bugis Syah (MBS)}}