Following Indonesia’s declaration of independence and the transfer of sovereignty, the Indonesian government played a pivotal role in consolidating these memorial sites. A request was made to concentrate the mortal remains into twelve major war cemeteries across the archipelago, which was later narrowed down to the seven war cemeteries we maintain on Java today. This consolidation was not only an act of respect for the fallen but also a means to preserve historical memory in key locations, making it accessible for future generations to pay their respects and learn from the past.

In addition, with the dissolution of the KNIL in 1950, the maintenance responsibilities from the KNIL’s graves registration unit were transferred to the Netherlands War Graves Foundation. This signifies a continuation of the commitment to honour the memory of both military personnel and civilians affected by the war. This handover ensured that the care and preservation of these sacred sites would be managed with the utmost respect and dedication, upholding the legacy of those who rest there.

As history unfolded, in our seven war cemeteries, we now maintain the graves of war victims from three significant periods of conflict: World War II in Asia (1942-1945), the Indonesian National Revolution (1945-1949), and the West New Guinea dispute (1950-1962). Through the maintenance of these war cemeteries, the Netherlands War Graves Foundation in Indonesia continues to serve as a place of remembrance, reflection, and understanding, ensuring that the lessons learned from the echoes of history guide our path towards peace and safety for all.