"At present, there are 46 WW II veterans and more than 50 researchers here."Ternate, North Maluku (ANTARA News) - World War II veterans from several countries have arrived in Morotai Island District, North Maluku, to recall war-related events that took place on the island once used as a military base by the United States and Japan.
"At present, there are 46 WW II veterans and more than 50 researchers here," said Revi Dara, the head of the Morotai Island tourism service, here on Thursday.
The veterans have come from the United States, Australia, Japan, and Indonesia.
They are scheduled to revisit several sites they used to frequent during World War II. They will also get aboard the Baruna Jaya boat to take a trip down memory lane.
On Friday, the veterans and researchers will visit Zum-Zum Island, Air Kaca, WW II Museum and other sites where many battles had taken place.
The WW II veterans` visit to North Maluku is part of the promotional campaign for Sail Morotai, an international maritime event.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to inaugurate Sail Morotai at Daruba beach, Morotai Island, on September 15.
Morotai was used as a military base by the Allied forces in their battle against the Japanese in Asia-Pacific during the war.
The North Maluku provincial administration has built a World War II Museum in Morotai, which will be inaugurated during the Sail Morotai event.
"The island of Sum-Sum in Morotai was used as a resting place by Gen. Mac Arthur, the chief of the Allied forces in Asia-Pacific. The island also has a water spring, named Glass Water, where Gen. MacArthur liked to bathe," North Maluku Governor Thaib Armiyn recently said.
(Uu.F001/INE/R-BSR)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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