April 24, 2026 | 01:12 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The King’s Day (Koningsdag) celebration in Jakarta this year placed water at the core of diplomacy between Indonesia and the Netherlands. The occasion also marked 25 years of bilateral cooperation in the water sector, a long-standing cornerstone of the relationship between the two nations.
Tempo observed that the embassy grounds began filling with guests and invitees starting at 4:00 p.m. Western Indonesia Time. Numerous Dutch food stalls were stationed across the venue, offering traditional delicacies such as stroopwafel, assorted cheeses, bitterballen, and kibbeling.
The venue was vibrantly draped in orange, reflecting the identity of the House of Orange-Nassau. On the entertainment stage, a musical blend of krontjong toegoe and stambul played, creating a festive atmosphere that showcased the cultural blend of both nations.
Indonesia-Netherlands Water Partnership
The Ambassador of the Netherlands to Indonesia, Marc Gerritsen, emphasized that this year’s festivities commemorated not only the birthday of King Willem-Alexander but also the strategic milestones of a quarter-century of cooperation.
"For both our countries, water is more than just a resource. Water is a force that shapes our geography, economy, past, and future," Gerritsen stated during the opening ceremony.
He highlighted the shared geographical challenges faced by both nations. The Netherlands, with nearly 30 percent of its territory situated below sea level, its lowest point reaching more than six meters below, finds a mirror in Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic state, where water remains a fundamental element of national development.
This water-sector cooperation also extends to disaster response. Gerritsen noted the 3 billion in emergency assistance provided by the Netherlands through the Dutch Relief Alliance following the floods in Aceh and North Sumatra late last year.
"Through the Dutch Relief Alliance, working alongside local organizations in the region, we were able to quickly reach affected communities and provide post-disaster assistance," he said.
Gerritsen underscored that for the Netherlands, King’s Day is a celebration of a friendship that has evolved into an equal, future-oriented partnership across various sectors.
"You can rely on us as a stable and predictable partner, and we stand with Indonesia in fulfilling its role to make the world a safer place," he added.
Water in Indonesia's National Agenda
Attending the same event, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, stressed the strategic importance of water within Indonesia’s national agenda.
He noted that President Prabowo Subianto has prioritized food, energy, and water security. "This is a statement of intent. A declaration of the kind of Indonesia we wish to build: independent, resilient, and ready to face the challenges of this century," he remarked.
The Minister, often referred to as AHY, emphasized that water is far from a secondary concern in this vision. "Both Indonesia and the Netherlands are maritime nations. We are bound by the sea, shaped by rivers, and tested by floods. We face rising sea levels and climate change; however, we also recognize the great potential of water as a source of energy, connectivity, and resilience," he concluded.
Read: Australia-Indonesia Film Festival Returns for 11th Year
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Possible Remains of Musketeer D'Artagnan Found in Netherlands
26 hari lalu
an archaeologist has discovered what he believes to be the remains of the legendary French musketeer D'Artagnan at a church in the Netherlands.
Iceland, Netherlands Join Gaza Genocide Case at ICJ
42 hari lalu
The Netherlands and Iceland have intervened in South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the ICJ.
U.S. Oil Exports 2025: The 10 Biggest Importers
43 hari lalu
Based on the latest U.S. oil exports data, the nation objectively stands as a net exporter, exceeding imports by about 2.8 million barrels per day.
Rob Jetten Sworn in as Youngest-Ever Dutch Prime Minister
59 hari lalu
Rob Jetten, the 38-year-old centrist, is also the Netherlands' first openly gay prime minister.
Solo City Seeks Repatriation of Local Historical Artifacts from Netherlands
27 Januari 2026
Solo City is looking to repatriate ancient manuscripts, statues, and more artifacts from Netherlands, said Mayor Respati Ardi.
Erasmus Huis Club Night Back in 2026, Headlined by NALA
23 Januari 2026
Electronic music program Erasmus Huis Club Night returns on January 24, featuring DJ NALA, ELLGA, Mashito, SALA, and ADXITA.
Indonesia Welcomes "Java Man" Home as Netherlands Returns Homo Erectus Fossils
17 Desember 2025
The Dutch Ministry of Culture also announced on Wednesday about returning approximately 28,000 other fossils to Indonesia.
Prabowo and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands Exchange Gifts in Jakarta
27 November 2025
Queen Maxima presents a gift to Bobby, Prabowo's pet cat, a doll wearing an orange jersey
Dutch Queen Maxima Visits Garment Factory in Indonesia's Sragen
25 November 2025
Sragen becomes a visiting site for Queen Maxima due to the implementation of the RISE program.
Queen Maxima's Solo Visit Destinations
25 November 2025
Dutch Queen Maxima Zorreguieta Cerruti is scheduled to visit Solo and Sragen Regency, Central Java, on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/4770150/original/051663000_1710247846-20240312-Berbuka_Puasa_di_Istiqlal-HER_2.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5417338/original/087225200_1763529762-Buka_Puasa.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/2898274/original/080785500_1567273060-Pawai-Obor4.jpg)
