RADAR BLITAR – The PETA Monument Blitar project has reentered the national agenda as the Blitar city government prepares a renewed proposal to Indonesia’s central authorities. Officials say strong national involvement is essential to realize the long-delayed historical monument.

Blitar City Government plans to resubmit the construction request after earlier plans stalled despite inclusion in national policy. Mayor Syauqul Muhibbin said the monument holds major historical value linked to Indonesia’s Defenders of the Homeland (PETA) movement.

Previously, a presidential regulation listed the monument project along Jalan Sudanco Supriyadi in Blitar. However, implementation never began. Therefore, the city now seeks renewed central support to restart development.

Syauqul explained that rebuilding the monument would not only deliver infrastructure. Instead, it would revive national awareness of PETA’s role in Indonesia’s independence struggle.

Moreover, the mayor stressed that the monument aims to reconnect younger generations with local and national history. Blitar, he said, holds strong historical ties to the PETA legacy that deserve broader recognition.

“We want the history of PETA to be rebuilt and remembered by young people,” Syauqul said. “Hopefully this effort can be realized.”

According to local officials, the PETA monument plan previously appeared in Indonesia’s Presidential Regulation No. 80/2019 on accelerating economic development in East Java. Nevertheless, the Blitar component of the program has yet to materialize.

The city hopes the renewed proposal will reopen funding and coordination channels with the central government.

Blitar authorities believe the monument could strengthen historical tourism and civic identity. They also expect the project to elevate Blitar’s national profile as a key site in PETA history.

If approved, the rebuilt monument would stand along Jalan Sudanco Supriyadi, reaffirming the city’s role in Indonesia’s independence narrative.