In 1812 and 1813, the British colonial government in Java sent two military expeditions against the Sultanate of Sambas in modern West Borneo, with the first expedition being forced to retreat while the second expedition succeeded in capturing the town of Sambas. The expeditions were launched with the intent of suppressing pirate activity operating from Sambas, led by son of the sultan Pangeran Anom. Although defeated, the Sultan of Sambas would reach a settlement with the British shortly after, with the Sultanate retaining its status. Pangeran Anom would also be pardoned by the British and later became Sultan.