Minamisebo, a monument to the history of Japanese soldiers in Batam

Minamisebo, or better known as the Japanese Monument, is a historical relic that witnesses the journey of Japanese soldiers on Galang Island. Unfortunately, this monument is now facing the threat of being lost due to the development plan of the Rempang Eco-City Area.

The monument, which has been standing since August 23, 1981, was erected to commemorate the Japanese soldiers who died on Galang Island while waiting for their return to their homeland after Japan’s surrender to the Allies.

The construction of this Japanese monument was an initiative of the Rempang Frienship Association (RFA), a non-profit organization formed by Japanese citizens. Its main purpose is to honor and commemorate the Japanese soldiers who made sacrifices during their time on Galang Island.

Of the 112,708 Japanese soldiers who lived here, 128 of them died while waiting to return home.

This Japanese monument is not just an ordinary monument, but also a meaningful historical marker. Inside the 3-meter-diameter monument, the names of former Japanese soldiers who once lived in Sembulang are displayed on the walls. In addition, the monument is equipped with photographs of the Japanese soldiers.

Unfortunately, the fate of Minamisebo now depends on the relocation plan. Sembulang Village, where the monument stands, is included in the Rempang Eco-City Area which has been included in the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Number 7 of 2023.

The plan is to vacate Sembulang village to facilitate the construction of the project.

Residents and those who care about this historical heritage hope that Minamisebo’s preservation efforts can be considered. This way, the historical value of the Japanese monument can be preserved and remembered, while construction continues. Preservation efforts will ensure that the memories of the Japanese soldiers and the history of Galang Island are not lost to development.