Jakarta, October 9 (AseanAll) — The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Sugiono, received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, David van Weel, at the Pancasila Building, Jakarta, on October 9, 2025. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to strengthen a mutually beneficial, sustainable, and future-oriented partnership.
Sugiono expressed appreciation for the warm welcome extended by King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's visit to the Netherlands on 26 September 2025. One of the highlights of the visit was the Dutch Government's decision to repatriate the 'Java Man' fossils from the Dubois collection. This repatriation symbolizes historical reconciliation between the two countries, and paves the way for new opportunities for collaboration in research, conservation, and public education.
During the bilateral meeting, the two Ministers discussed a broad range of issues with a focus on concrete collaboration in several priority areas. Food security emerged as a key focus, with Indonesia’s recognition of the Netherlands as an important partner in the modernization of agriculture and the strengthening of sustainable food systems. As seafaring nations, Indonesia and the Netherlands agreed to enhance cooperation in maritime affairs and water resource management, including in the areas of climate change mitigation, flood control, and land subsidence prevention.
"The Netherlands is a trusted and important partner for Indonesia, particularly in agriculture and maritime affairs, where it holds a world-class reputation," said Sugiono.
Looking ahead, both countries will explore cooperation in emerging and future technologies, particularly in the field of semiconductors and renewable energy. This collaboration will focus on research, manufacturing, and investment, aimed at further integrating Indonesia into the global supply chain.
In addition to bilateral matters, the two Foreign Ministers also exchanged views on regional and global developments. On Palestine, Indonesia reaffirmed its support for the two-state solution and called for an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In the regional context, both Ministers agreed that ASEAN remains the cornerstone for building a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.
The positive momentum in Indonesia-Netherlands’s relations was further strengthened through the launch of the 2026-2029 Comprehensive Partnership Action Plan, which will serve as a reference framework for implementing the comprehensive partnership across various sectors.
The two Ministers also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the second phase of NISCOPS (National Initiative for Sustainable & Climate Smart Oil Palm Smallholder), a trilateral cooperation mechanism involving the Government of the United Kingdom. The MoU aims to promote sustainable palm oil production and enhance smallholder farmer productivity in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
"Indonesia regards the Netherlands as a reliable and trusted partner. Together, we can honor our long-shared history as a foundation for building a stronger partnership for future generations," concluded Sugiono.
David van Weel's visit to Indonesia marks his first visit to an ASEAN country since assuming office on September 5, 2025. This meeting reaffirmed both countries’ shared commitment to building an equal partnership, based on mutual respect and a constructive, future-oriented spirit.
