Monument to be tourist site

Monument to be tourist site

BANDUNG: After years of neglect, the Bandung municipal
administration has decided to turn the Bandung Lautan Api
monument in Tegalega into a tourist destination.

The monument is currently packed by street vendors during the
day, while at night, the place is a hangout for sex workers
plying their trade.

"The monument is historic, so it must be preserved," said
Bandung mayor Dada Rosada after officiating a ceremony on
Wednesday commemorating the 58th anniversary of the Bandung
Lautan Api incursion.

The monument marks the battle between Dutch colonialists and
Bandung residents on March 23 and March 24, 1946. Local freedom
fighters, mostly youths, defended the city against invading Dutch
forces, although they were poorly equipped.

The Dutch burned Cimahi and Ujungberung to the ground after
forcing the Indonesian freedom fighters to retreat into the
surrounding forests. -- JP