Exclusive: President Prabowo Formally Welcomed by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima at Huis ten Bosch Palace

 

CNEWS, The Hague, September 26, 2025 – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto received an exceptionally rare royal welcome at Huis ten Bosch Palace, The Hague, on Friday (Sept 26), as he was formally greeted by both King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.

Such dual receptions are unusual in Dutch protocol, where visiting heads of state are typically hosted by the King alone. The joint welcome underscored the Dutch monarchy’s high respect for Indonesia and highlighted the significance of President Prabowo’s visit.

A Historic Moment at Huis ten Bosch

Upon arrival, President Prabowo ascended the main ceremonial staircase, greeted with official honors before entering the palace’s grand entrance. He then signed the official state guest book, an enduring diplomatic tradition marking the presence of world leaders at the royal residence.

The Indonesian head of state was then escorted into the DNA Room, one of the palace’s most exclusive chambers reserved for high-level state visits. Here, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima extended a warm personal welcome, reflecting the closeness and mutual respect in bilateral ties.

Strategic Dialogue in a Cordial Setting

Following the formal photo session, talks commenced in a warm but substantive atmosphere. Discussions spanned a broad spectrum of strategic priorities:

• Economic and trade cooperation, reinforcing the Netherlands’ role as one of Indonesia’s top European partners.
• Sustainable investment, with a focus on green energy, digital transformation, and future industries.
• Defense and maritime security collaboration, with added resonance given both leaders’ military backgrounds.
• Global challenges, including regional stability, food security, and climate change mitigation.

Observers noted that the shared military background of President Prabowo and King Willem-Alexander created a natural rapport, lending the dialogue a uniquely personal dimension while maintaining strong diplomatic substance.

A Powerful Diplomatic Signal

A senior Indonesian diplomat accompanying the visit described the reception as a “rare and powerful diplomatic signal” of trust and recognition.

“The fact that both the King and Queen personally received President Prabowo highlights not only respect for Indonesia but also acknowledgment of its growing role as a global actor,” the diplomat said.

The visit, the diplomat emphasized, was not merely ceremonial. It opened “concrete new avenues of collaboration between Jakarta and The Hague, within both a bilateral context and the wider EU framework.”

From a Complex History to a Modern Partnership

Indonesia and the Netherlands share a long and complex history. Yet in recent decades, relations have been transformed into a forward-looking partnership built on mutual respect and shared priorities.

The Netherlands is today one of Indonesia’s largest European investors and an active partner in climate initiatives, education, and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Indonesia serves as a pivotal partner for the Netherlands in Southeast Asia, acting as a gateway for engagement with ASEAN and the broader Indo-Pacific.

The symbolism of the Huis ten Bosch meeting reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to strengthening cooperation across generations.

Commentary by Solon Sihombing

“As a senior journalist and commentator, I see this meeting between the Dutch monarchy and Indonesia’s president as profoundly meaningful. Indonesia endured more than 350 years of Dutch colonial rule, so this moment goes beyond ordinary diplomacy—it also reflects a deep historical journey between the two nations.

Moreover, both President Prabowo and King Willem-Alexander share a military background, which fosters a unique understanding of discipline, leadership, and honor. This meeting is a valuable momentum to further strengthen bilateral ties and guide Indonesia–Netherlands relations toward a brighter future.

One should also not overlook cultural ties: many football players in Indonesia’s national team have Dutch heritage. This creates both cultural and emotional bridges between the two countries. In this sense, a once-painful shared history can now evolve into mutually beneficial cooperation.”

A World-Class Diplomatic Moment

Friday’s rare joint reception by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima elevated President Prabowo’s European visit into a world-class diplomatic milestone. It underscored Indonesia’s rising profile on the international stage and its importance as a strategic partner for Europe.

For both nations, the meeting carried a clear and powerful message: Indonesia and the Netherlands are committed to building equal partnerships, expanding cooperation in strategic fields, and working together to address shared global challenges.

With this historic welcome, President Prabowo Subianto firmly inscribed Indonesia’s leadership into the fabric of international diplomacy. (RED.CN)