SINGAPORE — A new memorial marking the nation’s turbulent times during the Konfrontasi campaign in the 1960s was inaugurated today (March 10), on the 50th anniversary of the MacDonald House bombing.

The deadly bombing — which was part of former Indonesian President Sukarno’s campaign to destroy the Malaysian Federation — left three people dead and 33 injured.

The new memorial, located at Dhoby Ghaut Green, opposite The Cathay, is part of the Singapore Armed Forces Veterans League’s (SAFVL) efforts to remember those who lost their lives or suffered during Konfrontasi and honour those who fought for Singapore.

The inauguration was attended by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong, SAFVL members, Ministry Of Defence personnel, and families of the bombing victims.

The MacDonald House bombing on March 10, 1965, was the worst of the more than 40 acts of sabotage committed by Indonesian agents during the Konfrontasi period.

Those turbulent times were revisited last year when Indonesia decided to name a warship after two Indonesian marines responsible for the bombing. They were convicted and hanged in Singapore in 1968.

In his speech at the event, which also included a memorial service, Mr Wong said: “This will be a lasting reminder of the victims of Konfrontasi and those who risked their lives defending our country.”

He added: “The best way we can honour the sacrifices of our pioneers is to uphold the same spirit that they demonstrated: A spirit of steel, of resilience, of faith in brighter days to come (and) a conviction our country is worth fighting for.”

Retired Lieutenant-Colonel Syed Ibrahim Almahdali, 72, said the memorial service was an important reminder of the turbulent times. “We have already learnt our lesson, so let this be the last lesson.”

For Mr Adrian Miranda, 45, Konfrontasi was something he could relate to: His father, Mr Harold Miranda, was a police officer based in Joo Chiat when he received a report about a bomb found at the junction of Fort Road and Meyer Road on April 14, 1965.

The older Mr Miranda, who died in 2011, ended up with more than 80 pieces of shrapnel in his body when the bomb exploded.

Mr Adrian Miranda said: “It is very easy for the younger generation to not understand. They will see vigilance as a source of paranoia, as opposed to a reality. I think, in view of the world we live in today, vigilance is something that is definitely important.”