Management of Indonesian War Cemeteries in Timor Leste and Malaysia Transferred to Defence Ministry

Jakarta — The management of Indonesian war cemeteries and memorial parks (Taman Makam Pahlawan) currently under the Social Affairs Ministry will be transferred to the Defence Ministry, including those located abroad such as in Timor Leste and Malaysia.

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, when met in Jakarta on Friday, stated that the transfer of management is deemed more appropriate as the strengthening of heroism values and management of struggle heritage sites are closely connected with national defence matters.

“Across all Indonesia, there are over 200 such cemeteries — not only Kalibata Memorial Park in Jakarta, but also those in Timor Leste and Malaysia — so this is the right step,” he said.

He assessed that the management of war cemeteries extends beyond cemetery maintenance and encompasses efforts to disseminate values of struggle to society, particularly to young people and students.

“In my view, the Defence Ministry is better suited to manage war cemeteries across various regions,” he stated.

With greater resources, the Defence Ministry is expected to manage these areas more optimally whilst strengthening education about the nation’s history of struggle amongst the public and students.

The transfer of management is a directive from President Prabowo Subianto and is currently in a transition period before taking effect on 1 April next year, with the Social Affairs Ministry continuing to provide support during the transition process.

“War cemeteries are not just about the graves. Within them are heroism and values of struggle that also need to be disseminated to society and young students,” he said.