San Diego Hills Memorial Park is a beautiful and serene park located in the city of Java, Indonesia. The park is situated on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in the park, including hiking, picnicking, and bird watching.

The History of San Diego Hills Memorial Park

The park was established in memory of the victims of the 1965 Indonesian massacre. The massacre was a mass killing that took place during the Indonesian Civil War. An estimated 500,000 to 1 million people were killed during the conflict, which lasted from 1965 to 1966.

About 1965 Indonesian massacre

In 1965, Indonesia experienced a mass killing of communists and others suspected of being part of the Communist Party. The Indonesian military, along with paramilitary groups, killed an estimated 500,000 to 1 million people in just a few months. The killings were done in a very systematic way, with lists of people to be killed being drawn up in advance.

The massacre happened at a time when the Cold War was at its height, and the Indonesian government was trying to prove its anti-communist credentials to the West. The US and other Western governments were aware of the killings taking place, but did nothing to stop them. In fact, the US even provided military support to the Indonesian government during this time.

The 1965 massacre is still remembered today as one of the deadliest episodes of mass violence in recent history. The Indonesian government has never formally acknowledged responsibility for the killings, and many of those who carried them out have never been brought to justice.

The San Diego Hills Memorial Park was inaugurated on October 1, 1967, by then-President Sukarno. It is one of the largest parks in Java and covers an area of ​​approximately 200 hectares.

Highlights of San Diego Hills Memorial Park

There are several notable features in the San Diego Hills Memorial Park, including:

The Museum of Victims of the 1965 Indonesian Massacre: The museum houses a collection of artifacts and personal belongings belonging to victims of the massacre. It also has a library with books and documents related to the event.

The Monument of Victims: The monument is a large granite sculpture that commemorates the victims of the massacre. It was designed by Indonesian artist Soedarsono and unveiled in 1967.

The Flame of Remembrance: The flame is located at the base of the monument and is lit every year on October 1st to mark the anniversary of the park’s inauguration.

Conclusion

The 1965 massacre in Indonesia was a horrific event that left hundreds of thousands of people dead. The Indonesian government has never fully acknowledged its responsibility for the killings, and many of those who carried them out have never been brought to justice. The massacre is a reminder of the terrible things that can happen when governments turn a blind eye to mass violence. San Diego Hills Memorial Park is a park dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in the massacre.