Dutch Envoy Highlights Food Security as Cornerstone of Bilateral Ties

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – At Indonesia’s annual parliamentary session in Jakarta, the spotlight was not only on President Prabowo Subianto’s state address but also on the perspectives of foreign envoys.

Dutch Ambassador Marc Gerritsen, for example, underscored food security as a defining area of cooperation between Indonesia and the Netherlands, framing it as both a national challenge and a shared opportunity.

“The Netherlands can help Indonesia achieve its ambitions in food security,” Ambassador Gerritsen on Friday, August 14, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He acknowledged progress under President Prabowo’s leadership but noted that ensuring sufficient food supplies and improving education remain pressing issues. Still, he expressed confidence in the president’s ambition and clarity of vision for the future.

Ambassador Gerritsen emphasized that bilateral relations are in excellent condition, particularly in food security and coastal protection. “As Dutch Ambassador here for two years, I have seen relations between the two countries in very good shape. We are working very hard with Indonesia on coastal protection as well,” he said.

The parliamentary session itself carried symbolic weight, convened ahead of Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day under the theme “Indonesia Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous.”

President Prabowo delivered both a performance report on state institutions and a national address, while later presenting the draft state budget for 2027 during the opening of the new legislative session led by Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Speaker Puan Maharani.

By highlighting food security and coastal resilience, the Netherlands-Indonesia partnership reflects how bilateral ties are increasingly shaped by sustainability concerns. Gerritsen’s remarks suggest that beyond ceremonial diplomacy, cooperation in these sectors is becoming a cornerstone of Indonesia’s long‑term development agenda. ***