YARA Regrets Neglected State of TKR Struggle Monument in Cunda

Lhokseumawe, BERITAMERDEKA.net— The Head of the Aceh People’s Advocacy Foundation (YARA) Lhokseumawe Representative Office, Ibnu Sina, expressed regret over the poor condition of the Monument of Resistance of the People’s Security Army (TKR) against the Japanese Army in Keude Cunda Village, Muara Dua District, Lhokseumawe City, which is considered slum and unmaintained.

Located on the main route to downtown Lhokseumawe, the monument serves as a historical marker of the Acehnese people’s struggle during the early independence era. However, its current physical state is deemed inadequate in reflecting the historical value attached to the monument.

Ibnu Sina stated that the local government should pay serious attention to the monument, especially since it is situated in a busy area that acts as a gateway to the city center.

“We deeply regret the condition of this TKR Resistance Monument. It sits in a very strategic position at the entrance to downtown Lhokseumawe, serving as one of the first sights for residents and visitors entering the city,” said Ibnu Sina.

According to him, leaving the monument unmaintained risks obscuring the historical value of the struggle, which ought to be continually preserved and introduced to future generations.

“We must not let a historical struggle monument become a mere symbol without attention. A condition like this seems to indicate that respect for the sacrifices of the freedom fighters has not translated into real care and maintenance,” he said on Sunday (27/09/26).

The monument marks the resistance of the People’s Security Army (TKR)—the precursor to the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI)—against Japanese forces that remained in Aceh during the transition period following the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence.

Located in the Peukan Cunda area, right at the entrance road to the Cunda Market center, the monument also serves as a reminder of the Pase community’s involvement in defending Indonesia’s independence and sovereignty in the early days of the republic.

Ibnu Sina, along with the Head of YARA North Aceh Representative Office, Nisa Ulfitri, and the Head of YARA Aceh Besar Representative Office, M Nur, personally inspected the monument’s condition.

Following their inspection, they concluded that the physical state and surrounding environment of the monument require immediate attention and improvement.

“We have seen its condition firsthand, and it indeed looks neglected and unmaintained. Therefore, we urge the Mayor of Lhokseumawe to give serious attention to this matter and undertake repairs and proper maintenance for this monument,” Ibnu emphasized.

He added that preserving historical monuments goes beyond beautifying the urban landscape; it is a vital part of safeguarding historical memory and honoring the sacrifices of those who fought to defend independence.

“Preserving this monument means preserving history. We must not let future generations learn about the struggles of our predecessors only from textbooks, while the tangible historical heritage right before their eyes is left abandoned,” he concluded. **