Dutch Royal family in Balikpapan
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)