King’s Day Reception in Jakarta Highlights Netherlands–Indonesia Partnership

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Indonesia once again hosted a King’s Day reception in Kuningan, South Jakarta on Thursday, April 23, 2026. The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN, Marc Gerritsen, in his opening remarks, stated that for the Netherlands, King’s Day serves as a meaningful occasion to celebrate the long-standing and evolving friendship between the Netherlands and Indonesia.

“We also mark a very special milestone, 25 years of bilateral water cooperation between the Netherlands and Indonesia,” Ambassador Gerritsen said. He further affirmed that for both nations, water is more than just a resource.

The cooperation so far has involved Dutch and Indonesian engineers, policy makers, and communities to make a lasting impact. Then, he conveyed that they are scaling up the north coast of Java coastline.

Besides water, the ambassador further mentioned about their recent project on environment and cultural identities called Greet Batik Challenge. Collaborating with Dutch water experts, the Dutch embassy aimed to help make batik industry in Pekalongan to be more eco-friendly.

Ambassador Gerritsen also said the Netherlands stand with Indonesia, as Indonesia is playing its part in making the world a safer place. He then extended his condolences for the three Indonesian peacekeepers who fell in Southern Lebanon.

On the same occasion, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to addressing pressing challenges. This included climate change and rising sea levels.

The minister also affirmed that water is currently a priority of the Indonesian government. "President Prabowo Subianto has made his priorities clear. Food security, energy security, and water security are at the very core of Indonesia's national agenda," Minister Agus said.

This year’s King’s Day celebration, also known as Koningsdag, adopted the theme “Water.” The theme reflects the deep-rooted connection between the Netherlands and Indonesia in water management.

The 2026 King’s Day celebration was also attended by ambassadors of other countries, Indonesian high-officials, and many others. During the celebration, guests were served both Indonesian and Dutch cuisines, as well as musical performance.