Jam Gadang Centenary Becomes Momentum to Strengthen Indonesia–Netherlands Diplomacy
The 100th anniversary of Jam Gadang is being utilised as a momentum to strengthen diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the Netherlands through historical, cultural, educational, and people-to-people cooperation. This spirit emerged during an International Seminar titled ‘Bridging Friendship: Strengthening Indonesia–Netherlands Diplomatic Ties via Bukittinggi–Amsterdam’, held at the Jam Gadang Plaza in Bukittinggi on Saturday evening (20/6).
Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, assessed that the centenary commemoration of Jam Gadang is not only important for reinforcing historical and cultural awareness but also has a strategic impact on economic development, tourism, and Indonesia’s diplomacy at the international level. According to Fadli Zon, Jam Gadang is a symbol of Minangkabau’s historical journey and Indonesia’s independence, inseparable from various important phases of the nation’s journey. He affirmed that Bukittinggi holds a strategic position in national history, including as the centre of the Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PDRI), and its identity as a City of Struggle must continue to be strengthened through various development programmes and regional promotion.
Meanwhile, West Sumatra Deputy Governor Vasko Ruseimy asserted that diplomacy is not solely the domain of the central government but can also be reinforced through regional diplomacy, city-to-city cooperation, universities, cultural communities, and society. ‘Bukittinggi and Amsterdam possess historical value that can become a bridge of friendship between the two nations. We see great opportunities to expand collaboration in education, tourism, culture, the creative economy, historical archive management, and sustainable development,’ Vasko stated. He added that West Sumatra has various strategic potentials open for international cooperation, ranging from tourism, agriculture, trade, and education to human resource development. According to him, the Netherlands’ experience in water management, agricultural technology, green economy, and sustainable development can serve as an important reference for accelerating regional development.
Bukittinggi Mayor Ramlan Nurmatias said the international seminar was an important part of the Jam Gadang centenary series, as well as a means to introduce Bukittinggi’s role in Indonesian history to the international world. ‘History is not only to be remembered but also serves as capital to build broader cooperation and friendship. Through this momentum, Bukittinggi aims to strengthen its position as a historic city open to global collaboration,’ Ramlan said. He explained that the Bukittinggi City Government is offering a number of cooperation agendas that can be developed with international partners, including the development of a digital archive of Indonesia-Netherlands history, strengthening research networks, student and academic exchange programmes, technology-based digital museums, culture-based creative economy development, and historical tourism.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Indonesia, Marc Gerritsen, conveyed that relations between Indonesia and the Netherlands are currently developing constructively through various forms of cooperation involving governments, educational institutions, and society. According to him, Bukittinggi holds an important position in Indonesian history while preserving cultural heritage that can serve as a connecting bridge between the peoples of the two countries. ‘Jam Gadang is a symbol of friendship that has witnessed various important events over a century,’ he said. Marc assessed that the relationship between the Netherlands and Indonesia, particularly with the Minangkabau community, has a strong foundation that continues to grow through collaboration in education, culture, and the economy. He expressed hope that these relations will be further strengthened through various programmes that provide tangible benefits for future generations.
The international seminar was attended by academics, researchers, community figures, business actors, and stakeholders from Indonesia and the Netherlands. The forum served as a space for dialogue to strengthen mutual understanding while exploring new, mutually beneficial cooperation opportunities. Through the series of commemorations for the 100th anniversary of Jam Gadang, the Bukittinggi City Government, together with the West Sumatra Provincial Government and the Ministry of Culture, hopes that the historical, cultural, and friendship values inherent in Jam Gadang can continue to be passed on to future generations, while simultaneously strengthening Bukittinggi’s position as one of the important historic cities in the journey of the Indonesian nation.