via Antara, 29 June 2024: The remains of nine WWII Japanese soldiers were discovered in Biak Numfor, Papua, enhancing historical understanding for visitors. Indonesian and Japanese authorities have collaborated since 2019 on these excavations, with potential plans to keep the remains in Biak Numfor to boost local tourism and commemorate historical ties.
The Indonesian government confirmed on Friday the discovery of nine remains of suspected Japanese soldiers killed during World War II in Biak Numfor District, Papua.
Hilmar Farid, the Director General for Culture at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, said the discovery could strengthen historical understanding for Japanese tourists visiting the region.
“They can come, learn, and understand that the impact of World War II reached even remote areas like Biak Numfor,” he said.
He noted that the ministry has collaborated with the Japanese government and Biak Numfor district authorities since 2019 to resolve the fate of remains from the WWII era found in the region.
Source: WWII Japanese soldier remains unearthed in Indonesia’s Papua
