Japan Awards Indonesians Who Collect Skeletons of Japanese Soldiers

TheIndonesia.co - Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Kenji Kanasugi gave an award from the Japanese Government to two Indonesian citizens who were considered to have contributed to helping collect the skeletons of Japanese soldiers who died on the battlefield in Indonesia. The two are considered contributing to the improvement of friendly relations between Japan and Indonesia.

Two Indonesian citizens, the late Meki Kapitarauw and Yusuf Rumaropen, are considered deserved a gratitude by the Japanese government in collecting the skeletons of Japanese soldiers who died in World War II, the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta said in a statement received on Thursday, July 21, 2022.

Yusuf Rumaropen was also appreciated by the Japanese Government after years of contributing to the families of Japanese soldiers who died by managing the Japanese Cave and World War II Monuments.

In addition to the two Indonesian citizens, the Japanese government also gave an award to Goto Shinsaku, a former chef of President Soekarno for his contribution to friendly relations between Japan and Indonesia, as well as supporting the management of the World War II Monument.

The award ceremony by Ambassador Kanasugi to the three people who were considered meritorious took place in Biak, Papua province on Wednesday (20/7). The award for the late Meki was given to his wife.

Ambassador Kanasugi also expressed hope for related parties to continue to be a bridge between the two countries, including in the activities of collecting the framework of the Japanese army, as stated by the Japanese Embassy in a statement. After the award ceremony for the Chief of Japan Representatives Abroad Award, Ambassador Kanasugi visited the Japanese Cave in Biak and laid a wreath.