To commemorate Indonesian National Heroes’ Day on 10 November 2005, the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra and the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney held a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the site of the graves of 13 Indonesian nationals buried in the World War II Cemetery in Cowra, NSW. The ceremony was led by Charge d’ Affaires a.i.  of the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, Mr. Y. Kristiarto S. Legowo and was attended by Sydney Consul General Mr. Wardana, Cowra Shire Counsellor, Mr. Bill West, officials of the Indonesian Embassy and Consulate as well as representatives from the Indonesian and Australian communities in Canberra, Sydney and Cowra.

The ceremony is in honor and rememberance of the 13 Indonesian nationals who died in 1942 and 1943. Three wreaths were individually presented by Mr. Legowo, Mr. Wardana and Mr. West, while representatives from the Indonesian and Australian communities placed flowers on each of the 13 Indonesian graves. A special prayer was led by Mr. Sadbudi Muraharto from the Embassy.

After the ceremony, Mr. Legowo on behalf of the Indonesian Embassy and Consulate thanked the Cowra Shire Council for their support and cooperation in the event. Mr. Legowo also expressed his gratitude that, as it has become an annual event of the Embassy to visit Cowra, every year the Shire Council and the people of Cowra extends their warm hospitality to Indonesia

Canberra, 10 November  2005