It's official, Queen Beatrix is coming

It's official, Queen Beatrix is coming

JAKARTA (JP): Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and her husband Prince Claus will be coming to Indonesia to take part in the 50th independence anniversary of the former Dutch colony.

Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono announced yesterday the planned visit, which has been the subject of public controversy in the Netherlands, saying that the couple will be in Jakarta as of Aug. 21.

After a few days in Jakarta, the couple will travel to other parts of Indonesia, Moerdiono said. "The program, schedule and their activities are still being worked out by officials of the two countries," he said.

The visit is still regarded as part of the Indonesian independence celebration from the Dutch, which was declared on Aug. 17, 1945. Moerdiono did not explain why the visit comes four days after independence day, as had been expected.

The planned visit has stirred controversy in the Netherlands, which refused to recognized Indonesia's independence until it was forced to formally hand over sovereignty in December 1949 following more than four years of fierce warring with resistance fighters. (emb)