Ever wondered about the hidden gems of Ancol besides its well-known attractions like Dunia Fantasi, Sea World, and the beautiful beaches? Well, today we’re diving into a lesser-known yet fascinating historical spot nestled within the Ancol Dreamland complex – Ereveld Ancol.
A Brief Introduction to Ereveld Ancol
Ereveld Ancol is a war cemetery that holds the remains of soldiers and civilians who perished during World War II between 1942 and 1945. It was inaugurated on September 14, 1946, making it the first cemetery established by the military burial service to honor the victims of the war. Around 2,000 war victims are buried here, including Dutch soldiers, Commonwealth troops, and civilians from both the Netherlands and Indonesia.
The History and Significance
The victims buried in Ereveld Ancol met a tragic end, executed by Japanese soldiers. Although not all were executed in Ancol, many remains were found in different parts of Indonesia and brought here for a proper burial. A striking feature of the cemetery is a tree trunk, known as the Hemelboom (Tree of Heaven), under which many executions took place. This tree stands as a somber reminder of the past, bearing a poem by Laurence Binyon titled “For the Fallen.”
Poem Excerpt:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We shall remember them. We shall remember them.
Monuments and Memorials
One of the key monuments in Ereveld Ancol is the Algeement Monument, dedicated to the unnamed victims. The monument features an angelic figure with the inscription, “Hun geest heft overwonnen” (Their spirit has triumphed). Below it, a plaque reads, “ter eerbiedige nagedachtenis aan de vele ongennoemden die hun leven offerden en niet rusten op de erevelden” (in respectful memory of the many unnamed who sacrificed their lives and do not rest in the fields of honor).
The gravestones differ in design to represent the victims’ faiths – Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, and Jewish, as well as for mass graves. Initially made from teak wood, the gravestones were later replaced with concrete to withstand the humid and salty coastal weather.
Preserving History
Managed by the Oorlogsgravenstichting (Netherlands War Graves Foundation) based in The Hague, Ereveld Ancol is meticulously maintained. This dedication ensures that the stories of those who rest here are remembered and honored. Originally, there were 22 such cemeteries across Indonesia, but they have since been consolidated into seven, all located on Java Island. Ereveld Ancol, alongside others in Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, and Surabaya, serves as a poignant reminder of the past.
Visiting Ereveld Ancol
My visit to Ereveld Ancol left a deep impression. Far from being spooky, the cemetery is serene, beautifully landscaped, and meticulously kept. The greenery is lush despite the coastal heat, and the entire area is impeccably maintained. Despite past issues with flooding due to its low-lying location, a robust Dutch-engineered seawall built in 2007 now protects the cemetery.
Practical Information for Your Visit
Ereveld Ancol is open to the public daily from 7 AM to 5 PM, and admission is free! When you visit, don’t forget to sign the guest book and consider tipping the caretaker, who is knowledgeable about the site’s history and more than willing to answer your questions.
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Happy travels! 🌟
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