Monument for Bekasi

Monument for Bekasi

From Media Indonesia

We can be proud of the progress made in the town of Bekasi, West Java. Housing complexes are being established and industries set up. These achievements are not extraordinary considering the important role Bekasi played in the first few years after Indonesia gained its independence--Aug. 17, 1945.

Bekasi played a significant role during the revolution, which inspired poet Chairil Anwar to write his well-known poem titled Antara Karawang dan Bekasi (Between Karawang and Bekasi). Whoever reads this poem, even after 49 years of independence, cannot fail to admire and be proud of the town of Bekasi.

However, if we go and see Bekasi and walk around the town, particularly on its major roads, such as Jl. Juanda and Jl. A. Yani, we feel that there is something missing. There is no historical monument, usually found in towns, which serves as a witness of Indonesia's struggle for independence.

In this context I suggest that a monument be built at the road intersection near the Bekasi Administration Office. If I am not mistaken, it was at that place during the revolution the Dutch (Nica) soldiers, under the protection of the British forces and Gurkha soldiers, attacked Bekasi and burnt the peoples' houses.

How beautiful Bekasi would be if a monument could be dedicated, to coincidence with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Indonesia's independence this year.

H. ROESLAM EFFENDIE

Jakarta