Dutch Royal family in Balikpapan

JAKARTA (JP): The Dutch Royal Family, currently on an 11-day state visit to Indonesia, continued their tour of the former Dutch colony yesterday in Balikpapan, a regency in East Kalimantan province.

Queen Beatrix, her husband, Prince Clause, and their son, Crown Prince Willem Alexander, attended a church service delivered in Dutch in Manado, the provincial capital of North Sulawesi, before heading to Balikpapan, Antara reported from Manado yesterday.

Most elderly Manadonese were educated in Dutch, explaining why the language is still quite familiar in the province.

The Queen and her entourage visited a number of tourist spots, including Lake Tondano and an archeological park in Airmadidi.

Earlier yesterday, Prince Clause spent three hours enjoying nine holes of golf at the Kayuwatu golf course. He was accompanied by the director of the Dutch parliament, Fer Rhodius, and foreign ministry spokesman B.H. Hiensch.

Looking fresh and happy after the game, Prince Clause ate local delicacies, including tinutuan (Manado porridge) and his favorite dish, lobster salad.

On Saturday, the Royal Family visited the Bunaken Marine Life Conservation, 23 kilometers west of Manado beach, and other spots noted for their natural charm.

The Queen and her husband spent most of Saturday afternoon diving at the marine park, before returning to Manado Beach Hotel. (ego)