The Netherlands War Graves Foundation (Oorlogsgravenstichting) in Indonesia is an extension of the foundation headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands. Established on 13 September 1946, the foundation has been dedicated to the solemn task of maintaining over 50,000 war graves across the globe, honouring both civilians and military personnel who have fallen due to war or peacekeeping efforts.
In Indonesia, we have a team of around 120 employees across Java who share a commitment to preserving this important part of our collective history. Our role is to meticulously maintain the 7 war cemeteries across Java, which serve as the final resting places for over 25,000 war victims. These hallowed grounds are a testament to the diverse narratives of war, holding the remains of not only military personnel but predominantly civilians from various backgrounds who were caught in the crossfire of historical conflicts.
At the Netherlands War Graves Foundation, our commitment extends beyond mere maintenance. Our five main tasks are:
The journey to where we stand today with the Netherlands War Graves Foundation in Indonesia is deeply rooted in the aftermath of the Second World War and the the Indonesian National Revolution. The establishment of Dutch war cemeteries in Indonesia can be traced back to between 1946 and 1950, initiated by the graves registration unit of the Royal Netherlands Indies Army (KNIL). This period marked a concerted effort to commemorate and provide a resting place for those who lost their lives during these turbulent times.
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 commemorate 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 civilians as well as military personnel affected by war.
As history unfolded, in our seven war cemeteries, we now maintain the graves of war victims from three significant periods of conflict: Second World War 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.
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