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Tourism ministry and IKAM Yogya tour historical sites in Central Java
This FGD will take its participants to travel to some memorable sites such as Vreidenberg Fort.
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Vreidenberg Fort, Yogyakarta. (Shutterstock/File)
T
ourism ministry together with Yogyakarta Military Academy Families Association (IKAM – Yogya) is holding a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) in the form of a trip to Central Java on Saturday, July 29.
This FGD will take its participants to travel to several memorable sites such as Vreidenberg Fort, SMA BOPKRI 1 Yogyakarta, SMPN 2 Kalasan, Kusuma Negara Heroes Cemetery in Semaki, Magelang Military Academy and Taruna Struggle Monument in Plataran-Kalasan.
Read also: Yogyakarta: One day, eight destinations
Tourism ministry’s incentive trip promotional head Hendri Karnoza categorized historical tour as specific kind of tour, following the likes of eco-tourism, SPA tourism, MICE tourism, culinary tourism, cruise tourism and shopping tourism.
“Aside from the beauty of nature, social, history and culture are also important factors in a tourist attraction. No wonder Indonesia has plenty of attractions because this country has so many histories and cultures,” said Hendri.
Magelang Military Academy, also known as Yogyakarta Military (MA Yogya), was an extension of Indonesia Military Academy. It was first opened in 1945 and closed in 1950.
Located in BOPKRI High School, all cadets and officers at this Academy participated in many real-life events such the fight against the British Empire in Surabaya, fight against the Netherlands in North Priangan, guarding General Soedirman during the cease-fire negotiation with the Netherlands in Jakarta and took part in Madiun affair in 1948.
Read also: Ten beaches to visit in Yogyakarta
197 youth officers from the first batch of the academy were inaugurated by then President Soekarno at Gedung Agung Yogyakarta Palace on November 28, 1948. 21 days later, on December 19, the Dutch invaded Yogyakarta and national leaders were taken captive. MA Yogya cadets and officers had to move out of town and under the order of General Soedirman they started a guerrilla war.
29 alumni of MA Yogya died during the second Independence War, to commemorate their death the Taruna Struggle Monument was built in Plataran – Kalasan village.
After graduating 3 batches of students, MA Yogya was closed in 1950, but President Soekarno reopened the academy on November 11, 1957 at the National Military Academy Magelang complex.
"This FGD and historical tour is hoped to help emerge new history tourism destinations in the former capital of this country. We also hope to preserve the history of the Indonesia's struggle in fighting for its independence. This will help educate the younger generation, and it's in line with the mental revolution and character building curriculum which is being revamped in our national education system," said Indroyono Soesilo, head of maritime tourism acceleration team. (asw)
