Indonesia's Military Maintains Historic Monuments Ahead of Independence Anniversary

The work by personnel from the 1415/Selayar Military District Command is part of preparations for the national anniversary and an effort to preserve sites associated with the country's struggle for independence and the military's long-standing role in community development.

Among the monuments being restored are two linked to the former ABRI Masuk Desa (AMD), or Armed Forces Enter Villages, programme, an initiative that later evolved into the TNI Manunggal Membangun Desa (TMMD), a military-led rural development programme.

One of the monuments, the AMD Monument, was built from March 17 to 23, 1983, at the intersection of Bina Karya and Dr. Sudiro Husodo streets in Benteng Selatan district.

Military personnel also repainted the 20th AMD Manunggal Monument near the western side of Benteng Youth Field.

Another monument being maintained is the Paus Rama Bosa Heroes Monument, which commemorates local resistance against colonial rule. The monument is named after Paus Rama Bosa, a figure associated with the history of resistance in Selayar.

Lieutenant Colonel Yudo Harianto, commander of the 1415/Selayar Military District Command, said maintaining the monuments was intended to preserve their historical value as well as improve their physical condition.

“These monuments bear witness to the history of cooperation between the military and the people in developing villages. They need to be maintained so that the values of struggle, mutual cooperation and nationalism can be passed on to younger generations,” Yudo said in a statement on Saturday (Aug. 8).

The military also cleaned and repainted the Barugaiya Heroes Cemetery, including its fences, entrance gate, walls and courtyard floor.

The cemetery was repainted in red, white and green as part of the maintenance work.

Yudo said maintaining the cemetery was a way of honouring those who had fought and sacrificed their lives for Indonesia.

“Maintaining the heroes' cemetery is a form of respect for those who came before us. Because of their sacrifices, we can enjoy independence today,” he said.

Indonesia will mark 81 years of independence on Aug. 17, with ceremonies and other events being held across the country. (dea)