Saberia, an official at the Papua Cultural Preservation Center (BPK), said on Wednesday 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.
"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 explained.
He noted that in addition to natural degradation, the relics have been severely damaged by destructive fishing practices and marine pollution.
"The use of fish bombs has damaged the marine ecosystem and destroyed cultural heritage sites of high historical value," Saberia said.
Shinatria Adhityatama, a member of the diving team, said nine underwater cultural heritage sites have been identified for potential preservation.
"We documented several remains, mostly Allied landing craft, as well as fighter plane wings from World War II," he said, adding that more relics are likely to be found in Papua's waters.
Adhityatama urged the public, particularly fishermen and diving communities, to help protect the sites.
"Preservation is not only the government's responsibility. The younger generation must also be involved so that Jayapura's World War II heritage can be used for education and sustainable maritime cultural tourism," he emphasized.
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Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: Anton Santoso
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