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US, RI sign arrangement to recover remains of American personnel
The US and Indonesian governments have furthered their defense cooperation by signing an arrangement that will allow the former to conduct joint search missions leading to the investigation and excavation of the remains of US service members in Indonesia
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he US and Indonesian governments have furthered their defense cooperation by signing an arrangement that will allow the former to conduct joint search missions leading to the investigation and excavation of the remains of US service members in Indonesia.
The agreement concluded years of coordination among the US Defense Prisoners of War/Missing in Action, the Accounting Agency, the US Embassy's defense attaché office, the Indonesian Military and the latter's History Center (Pusjarah TNI).
The agreement allows the Accounting Agency to research whereabouts of the remains of more than 2,000 missing US personnel who fought in Indonesia during World War II.
'It would be impossible to accomplish this important humanitarian mission without the approval and support of the Indonesian government and people,' US Air Force Maj. Gen. Kelly McKeague said during the ceremony ceremony.
He said the signing established the partnership that would enable the US government to accomplish the noble mission and help bring closure to many families who were still waiting.
'On behalf of the American families who have family members missing in Indonesia from World War II, I want to thank Gen. Zaedun and his Pusjarah team for their willingness to help us,' said McKeague.
'This arrangement is indicative of the friendship between RI and the US,' he said.
US Ambassador to Indonesia Robert Blake stated the arrangement honored the memory of both Americans and Indonesians who fought for their countries.
'US-Indonesia defense cooperation has never been stronger or more comprehensive than it is today, and we are proud to be Indonesia's top defense partner in joint exercises and other engagements,' said Blake.
The US envoy said the agreement reinforced cooperation between the two countries on the basis of the principles of humanity, equality, mutual benefits, non-interference and mutual respect.
'We are grateful for the cooperation and consideration in allowing us to recover the American personnel from World War II who are still missing,' said Blake. (ebf) (++++)
