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)