REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The United States and Indonesia signed an agreement on Friday last week, allowing the US government to conduct a joint research to investigate and excavate the remains of American service members from Indonesia.
Concluding years of coordination with the United States' Defense Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Accounting Agency (DPAA), the US Embassy's Defense Attach? Office, the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), and the TNI History Center (Pusjarah TNI) came to an agreement to allow DPAA to research the whereabouts of the remains of more than 2,000 missing US personnel who fought in World War II in Indonesia.
As stated on the official website of the US Embassy in Jakarta on Friday, the US Air Force's Major General Kelly McKeague noted during the ceremony that it would be impossible to accomplish this important humanitarian mission without the approval and support of the government and the people of Indonesia.
US Ambassador to Indonesia Robert Blake said: "This arrangement honors the memory of both Americans and Indonesians who fought for their countries."
He added that the defense cooperation between the nations has never been stronger or more comprehensive than it is today, and the United States is proud to be Indonesia's top defense partner in joint exercises and other engagements.
"In addition to regular training, military-to-military exchange programs, and sales and agreements between our countries, today's agreement reinforces the cooperation between our countries on the basis of the principles of humanity, equality, mutual benefits, non-interference, and mutual respect. We are grateful for the cooperation and consideration in allowing us to recover the American personnel from World War II who are still missing."
All expenses related to the research and eventual recovery will be funded by the government of the United States, and all research and fieldwork will be conducted based on arrangements agreed upon by the DPAA and Pusjarah TNI.
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