Ereveld Candi – Oorlogsgravenstiching

Set against the backdrop of a tranquil hill in the southern part of Semarang, Ereveld Candi serves as a solemn reminder of a turbulent past. Ereveld Candi is the only Dutch war cemetery in Indonesia that is designated for the military. This war cemetery is the final resting place for nearly 1,100 soldiers, many of whom were young lives cut short by the ravages of conflict, encapsulating stories of duty and sacrifice. This war cemetery is a beacon of reflection, inviting all to ponder the intricate tapestry of war amidst its natural beauty.

History

The origins of Ereveld Candi trace back to 1946, when it was initially constructed by the Tiger Brigade military unit stationed in Semarang, under the leadership of Lieutenant Engineer Ir. H. Stippel. Initially named Ereveld Tillemaplein, it was inaugurated in March 1947 to honour the comrades who fell during the tumultuous times of the Indonesian National Revolution. 

However, the scope of the cemetery expanded beyond this initial intent. Recognizing the importance of honouring all who served, the Graves Registration Unit of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) undertook the significant task of relocating World War II victims from scattered grounds across Central Java to Candi war cemetery.

In addition, at Candi war cemetery there were also other reburials. Initially, the Graves Registration Unit of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) developed 22 war cemeteries across Indonesia. However, in a significant consolidation effort during the 1960s, at the request of the Indonesian government, these war cemeteries were merged into the current seven war cemeteries in Java, including Candi. 

This cemetery, in particular, has seen the reburial of war victims from Palembang (1967) and Makassar (1968). 

In 1967, the Indonesian government requested a renaming of the cemetery to Ereveld Candi. Adopting the name of the area ensured a further embedding of the cemetery within the fabric of Semarang's heritage.