Indonesia discovers nine WWII underwater relics in Papua's waters

The Indonesian government has discovered nine underwater archaeological remains linked to World War II in the waters off Jayapura city, Papua.

Saberia, an official at the Papua Cultural Preservation Center (BPK), said on September 10 that recent surveys documented the remains of a warship or landing craft, a fighter plane, an armored car, and even a tank on the seabed.

He said that based on preliminary identification, the fighter plane wreck found in Youtefa Bay is suspected to be a Hayabusa-type aircraft belonging to the Japanese Empire. It is believed to have crashed in 1944 during a battle with Allied forces.

He noted that in addition to natural degradation, the relics have been severely damaged by destructive fishing practices and marine pollution.

He added the use of fish bombs has damaged the marine ecosystem and destroyed cultural heritage sites of high historical value.

Shinatria Adhityatama, a member of the diving team, said nine underwater cultural heritage sites have been identified for potential preservation, including many Allied landing crafts and wings of aircraft from World War II.

He called on the public, especially fishermen and youth, to join in protecting these relics so that they can serve educational purposes and sustainable marine cultural tourism development in Papua.

Earlier in June, the Indonesian government announced the discovery of nine sets of remains believed to be Japanese soldiers killed in World War II in Biak Numfor district, Papua. Since 2019, Indonesia has cooperated with Japan to address WWII remains found in the area. During that period, at least 3,000 Japanese soldiers died there, according to the Indonesian news agency Antara./.