The Battle of Tarakan was a military engagement during World War II, occurring in January 1942. It involved the forces of the Imperial Japanese Army and the Dutch East Indies defenders. The battle aimed to secure the island of Tarakan, which was strategically important for its oil resources. The Japanese forces successfully captured Tarakan after intense fighting, leading to the fall of the island. This victory allowed Japan to control vital oil supplies, contributing to their broader campaign in the Dutch East Indies. The battle highlighted the vulnerability of colonial defenses against well-coordinated military operations.