JAPAN TO EXCAVATE ITS SOLDIERS' CORPSES IN JAYAPURA, PAPUA

Sentani, Papua, Feb 3 (Antara) - The Japanese government will excavate and repatriate the corpses of its soldiers who were killed during the Pacific War (1941-1945) in Jayapura district, Papua province, Mathius Awoitauw, the district head, stated here on Tuesday. The excavation will be conducted in Jayapura, Sarmi, and Biak districts, he noted. "The governments of Indonesia and Japan have signed a memorandum of understanding regarding this plan. The main area of excavation in Jayapura will be in Puai," Mathius stated. According to him, the excavation and repatriation of the bodies of the Japanese soldiers during this time have been going on but not yet completed. We are still in talks about constructing a memorial monument at every excavation site of the corpses, he noted. "The monuments will showcase the names of the soldiers who were killed and buried in the places," Mathius stated. Besides being historical sites, the monuments will also serve as historical tourism attractions for the community. "The government and administration are planning to build a historical museum showcasing the Second World War and the Pacific War," Mathius remarked.