Australia and Bangka Belitung have very close historical ties. This is my first visit to Bangka Belitung to commemorate the historical day. I am very happy. Thank you for the Bangka Belitung provincial government's welcome and support
Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung (ANTARA) - Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Penny Williams, visited Bangka Belitung Islands on Tuesday to attend a series of events to mark a Japanese attack on Australian civilians, soldiers, and nurses in the province during World War Two.



"Australia and Bangka Belitung have very close historical ties. This is my first visit to Bangka Belitung to commemorate the historical day. I am very happy. Thank you for the Bangka Belitung provincial government's welcome and support," the ambassador remarked upon arriving in Pangkalpinang, the capital of Bangka Belitung Islands province, on Tuesday.



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Governor of Bangka Belitung Islands, Erzaldi Rosman, said Williams' visit to the province had to do with the historical tragedy in Mentok waters, West Bangka district, during World War Two.



"This is the 80th year (of the tragedy)... This is very special for them (Australians) so the ambassador comes here. They will commemorate it online," he informed.



During her stay, the ambassador will inform the province of her government's plan to build an Australian Memorial Park in Inggris Bay, Mentok.



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"In response to the plan, I have just phoned the Forestry Office of the Bangka Belitung Islands province to issue its permit, while Australia will bear the entire construction cost," he said.



He warmly welcomed the plan to construct the memorial park, which is expected to boost the tourism industry as it will be draw tourists every year.



"This is part of Australian history in Bangka Belitung. Hopefully, it will be realized and have an impact on the promotion of the tourism industry. If we are part of their history (the memorial park) will have an impact, including cooperation," he remarked.



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Translator: Donatus Dasapurna P, Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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