Visit to Cowra: Retracing Indonesians' history in Australia

In commemoration of Indonesian Heroes Day, Indonesian community in Sydney wants to trace back their history in Australia and pay respect to their predecessors who were sent to the country as Prisoners of War in the 40s.

There is a part of Indonesian history in Cowra, NSW. Source: Supplied

In commemoration of Indonesian Heroes Day on 10 November, several groups in the Indonesian community will pay a visit to Cowra. The city in the west side of New South Wales is specifically chosen because its historical background with Indonesia.

"There were Indonesian political prisoners from Boven Digul who were sent by the Dutch and detained in Cowra and several other places in NSW," says Frans Simarmata, a representative from the Indonesian community and one of the event organisers.

"We want to tell you that even before its independence, Indonesia was already connected with Australia."

There were prisoners of war from Indonesia's Boven Digul who were transported to Australia and imprisoned in Cowra, NSW. Source: Supplied

Graveyard of the Indonesians Prisoners of War (POW) in Cowra, NSW. Source: Supplied

This event will be attended by several representatives from the government, youth organisations and other Indonesian communities. If you are interested, please contact the event organiser via email: [e-mail].

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