(JP/Ni Komang Erviani)

A house used for clandestine meetings during the struggle for the independence of the Republic of Indonesia was inaugurated as a monument named Monumen Perjuangan Bangsa at Gaji village in North Kuta district, Badung regency on Monday.

The inauguration was launched by Bali Deputy Governor Anak Agung Ngurah Puspayoga in conjunction with the commemoration of Heroes Day.

The former two-story house belonging to Bagus Made Wena, one of the independence fighters, has been renovated to resemble its original form of three stories.

Bagus Ngurah Putu Arthana, a local noted figure, said the house had also been used as a warehouse to store agricultural harvests, including copra and unhusked rice.

However, its warehouse was different from other warehouses because there was a bunker secretly designed in it. "As soon as the enemies entered the warehouse, the independence fighters dispersed by entering the bunker," Arthana explained.

Arthana further said that the newly inaugurated monument had close links with the Sea Struggle Monument in Gilimanuk, Jembrana regency, about 90 kilometers to the west of Denpasar; I Gusti Ngurah Rai Landing Monuments in Tuban, Kuta; and Margarana Taman Pujaan Bangsa Monument in Tabanan regency.

I Nyoman Widya Wijaya, 80, a member of the Veteran Legion of the Republic of Indonesia, a group of former independence fighters, said he was happy that the house he had fought from had been inaugurated as a war monument.

"It means our struggle is appreciated," said the grandfather of 26 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Puspayoga said the house had played an important role in Indonesia's struggle for independence. "Through the monument we hope the people will be able to recall and appreciate the services of the independence fighters," he said. -- JP/Ni Komang Erviani

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