However, Jose's analysis hasn't deterred treasure hunters. If not in the Philippines, then surely scattered pieces of this looted Japanese gold could still be found in other countries, including Indonesia. Are there any left?
Traces of Japanese Relics in South Sulawesi
Reportedly, in Indonesia, specifically in South Sulawesi, there are still remnants of General Yamashita's treasure.
This is the area around the former Japanese air base in Malimpung, Patampanua District, Pinrang Regency.
This air base, with the ICAO code WAAG, which is still listed on the website World-Airport-Codes.com, was one of the Japanese military air bases during World War II.
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Its strategic location has led to this air base being considered one of the locations where General Yamashita's gold hoard was stored. It's located almost in the center of Indonesia, with nearly the same distance from north to south and east to west.
Due to its strategic location, discussions about relocating Sultan Hasanuddin Air Force Base arose around 2010, with the former Japanese air base in Malimpung and the former Dutch air base in Takalar Regency being among the potential locations.
One area that became a topic of local discussion was the tunnel connecting the base to Mount Paleteang.
Rumors also circulated that one of the reasons for establishing the Japanese consulate in Makassar was to monitor the area. According to local residents, around the 1980s, envoys from the Japanese consulate regularly visited the area.
Putri Nurhidayat