The commemoration of Anzac Day in Indonesia was made possible because in 1945, Australian and New Zealand soldiers played a part in the liberation of the region from Japanese invaders.
In an interview with SBS Indonesian, Petrik Matanasi, a historical researcher, revealed the important role of Australian and New Zealand forces in the liberation of Balikpapan from Japanese occupation in 1945.
This effort began with a risky reconnaissance mission by Z Force in Samboja that provided crucial intelligence for the Allies despite consuming casualties.
The peak operation involved a massive aerial bombardment by the United States that destroyed the city's infrastructure, followed by the landing of about a brigade of Australian troops from the sea.
Although these events are rarely discussed in school textbooks, the impact of World War II in Balikpapan is very real, from the physical destruction of the city to the famine crisis that engulfed the people.
Interestingly, this interaction sparked sympathy from Australian soldiers who helped locals with food to the provision of arms due to their dislike of the Dutch.
The existence of the Australian Monument in Balikpapan is historical evidence as well as a reminder of the close diplomatic and emotional ties between Indonesia and Australia that date back to the war.
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