Ereveld Pandu

05/10/2025

After the Second World War, there were originally 22 erevelden spread across Indonesia.

At the request of the Indonesian government in the 1960s, this number was reduced to 12 war cemeteries, and later consolidated again to the 7 erevelden that remain today, all located on the island of Java.

This process ensured that the graves could be properly maintained and that the memory of the war victims would be preserved in places that remain accessible for families and future generations.

Ereveld Pandu has received reburials from Muntok (1960), Palembang (1967), and Makassar (1968).

If you have family members or friends who may have been buried or relocated from these earlier cemeteries, and you are not sure where they now rest, you can search for them in our online database: https://oorlogsgravenstichting.nl/zoeken .

01/10/2025

A new series begins on our page 🌿

Going forward, we will be sharing a special series of posts filled with stories, facts, and insights about the ereveld, the war cemeteries that carry so many memories and histories.

Before we start, we would love to hear from you:
What questions have you always had about the ereveld?
Perhaps about its history, who is laid to rest here, or how to visit?

Please share your questions in the comments 👇
In the weeks ahead, we will share new stories, highlight and explore them one by one.

Together, let us remember the past, reflect in the present, and preserve the hope of a peaceful future. 🕊

01/08/2025

We are honoured to host this year’s commemoration of the Cessation of the Second World War in Asia at Ereveld Pandu, Bandung.

Each year, the Defence Attaché of the Netherlands rotates their presence across different erevelden outside of the main commemoration sites in Jakarta and Surabaya. This year, we are deeply honoured to welcome their presence at Ereveld Pandu.

On Friday, 15 August 2025, we will gather to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Asia—a moment to remember those who suffered, and to reflect on the values that continue to shape our future: peace, unity, and mutual understanding.

🕊️ Time:
• Welcome: 8.30 AM
• Ceremony begins: 9.00 AM
🌍 Ceremony will be conducted in English and is open to all.

This commemoration is a moment for all generations and all walks of life to come together in remembrance. By learning from the past, we preserve the values that guide us towards a better future.

🔗 Register and learn more via https://bit.ly/15augustcommemoration

On Friday, 15 August 2025, we will gather to remember an important moment in history: the cessation* of the Second World War in Asia. This year marks the 80th anniversary—a milestone in our collective memory.

Join us for commemorative ceremonies with speeches and wreath-laying in Bandung, Jakarta, and Surabaya. The events will be conducted in English and are open to all.

📅 Date: Friday, 15 August 2025
🌏 Locations: Cimahi | Bandung | Surabaya | Jakarta
🔗 Register and learn more: https://bit.ly/15augustcommemoration (link in bio)

Note: *The formal end of the Second World War was concluded with the Surrender Ceremony on the USS Missouri on 2 September 1945.

13/06/2025

🌿 You're Invited: Launch of the OGS Indonesia Website

We are honoured to invite you to the launch of the new OGS Indonesia website, a platform dedicated to the seven Netherlands war cemeteries (erevelden) in Indonesia, where thousands of war victims are laid to rest.

This website has been developed with care and thoughtfulness. It provides reliable, bilingual information about each erevelden and helps visitors understand their historical significance and the symbols found within them. While it does not yet share the stories of every grave, it is a meaningful step towards making these sites more accessible, especially for those in Indonesia and abroad who continue to visit and reflect.

📅 Thursday, 19 June 2025
🕒 15.00–16.00 WIB (10.00–11.00 CEST)
📍 Join us online via Zoom
🎫 Register here: https://bit.ly/OGSIndonesia-website
🔗 A Zoom link will be provided after registration and email reminder will be sent.

This website is part of our ongoing effort to honour those who came before us, not only with remembrance, but with purpose. By learning about the impact of war, we are reminded why peace, understanding, and dialogue remain so important today.

We would be truly grateful for your presence as we mark this meaningful milestone together.

30/10/2024

💐Important Announcement: Temporary Closure of Ereveld Pandu💐

Dear families, friends, and visitors,

We would like to inform you that Ereveld Pandu will be temporarily closed from November 1st to November 10th for essential asbestos removal. We invite families and visitors to return on November 11th, but please note that some areas may remain restricted due to ongoing safety measures.

The safety and well-being of our valued visitors and dedicated staff are our top priority.

We recognize the significance of Ereveld Pandu as a site for remembrance, reflection, and connection with our war victims and shared history. This temporary closure is a proactive step to ensure the safety of all who honour their loved ones resting at Ereveld Pandu.

We appreciate the emotional importance of visiting the war cemetery. Our team at Ereveld Pandu is committed to minimising the duration of this closure while prioritising everyone's health and safety.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this period. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us. We look forward to welcoming you back to Ereveld Pandu once this essential work is completed.

With heartfelt regards,
OGS Indonesia and The Ereveld Pandu Team

07/05/2024

Vacancy Announcement!

Are you an experienced operational manager with expertise in field maintenance and small construction projects?

Are you interested in war history and heritage preservation, and inspiring people to reflect on the lessons of the past and taking them into the future?

Would you enjoy the challenge of working in a unique organisation in international affairs, with different target audiences and across the boundaries of language and culture?

Then this may be the position for you ....

🔍 General Overview
Position: War Cemetery Manager
Location: Bandung area
Responsibilities: Lead and manage the war cemetery team, maintain war graves and assets, oversee contractors and suppliers, ensure equipment availability and safety, manage procurement, provide guest reception, prepare for events and visits, execute ceremonies and activities, maintain safe working conditions, and manage stakeholder relationships.

📝 Requirements:

Degree in related field
5+ years experience
Proficiency in Indonesian and English
Strong interpersonal and planning skills

💼 What We Offer:

International work environment
Competitive salary and benefits
On-site accommodation
Initial 1-year contract with potential for extension

🔗 For more details, click the link: bit.ly/OpzichterBandungarea-EN

13/09/2023

Today, on behalf of the Oorlogsgravenstichting, the Opzichter of Ereveld Pandu, Dicky Purwadi, laid a wreath near the General Monument, a symbol of respect and remembrance for the fallen war victims.

This small commemoration, marking the end of the Second World War in Asia, carries immense significance. It's a reminder of the sacrifices made and the hardships endured, and it underscores the importance of never forgetting our history.

Commemorating the end of World War II in Asia is not just about looking back; it's about looking forward. It's about acknowledging the lessons we've learned and the resilience of the human spirit. It's about reaffirming our commitment to peace, unity, and understanding.

In a world where divisions can sometimes seem insurmountable, this commemoration bridges gaps and brings us together. It reminds us that, regardless of our backgrounds or borders, we share a common humanity and a shared history.

As we lay wreaths and pay our respects, we're not just honouring the past; we're shaping our future. A future built on the foundations of peace, compassion, and the unwavering belief that, together, we can create a better world.

08/08/2023

We stand on sacred ground, where courage and sacrifice have left an indelible mark. 🇳🇱

As we mark the Cessation of the Second World War, a commemoration will take place at Ereveld Menteng Pulo in Jakarta and Ereveld Kembang Kuning in Surabaya. In addition, wreaths will be reverently laid at Ereveld Ancol, Pandu, Leuwigajah, Kalibanteng, and Candi.

A notable change this year is the Netherlands Embassy's decision to rotate its presence between the Erevelden of Ancol, Pandu, Leuwigajah, Kalibanteng, Candi, and Kembang Kuning. This shift underlines the dedication to honouring the memory of those who rest in these hallowed grounds

With this decision, we await the presence of the Netherlands Embassy at Ereveld Pandu in the upcoming years. While we anticipate those times, this year, our respect remains unwavering as we lay a wreath in honour.

This poignant act pays tribute to the lives given in pursuit of a brighter future – a future we cherish today. As we honour these war victims, we invite you to join us in spirit, reflecting on the profound impact their bravery has had on our world.

Their memory lives on, inspiring us to continue building bridges of peace and understanding. Let's remember, respect, and recommit to the ideals of peace that unite us all.

A Commemoration of the Cessation of the Second World War at the Netherlands War Cemeteries in Jakarta and Surabaya 🇳🇱

On Tuesday 15 August 2023 we will commemorate the cessation* of the Second World War in Asia. We invite you to ceremonies in Jakarta and Surabaya.

We welcome you at Ereveld Menteng Pulo in Jakarta at 04:30 PM. The official program will start at 05:00 PM and will include speeches followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.

Next to the commemoration at Menteng Pulo (Jakarta), starting this year, the Netherlands Embassy will rotate its presence between the Erevelden of Ancol, Pandu, Leuwigajah, Kalibanteng, Candi and Kembang Kuning. This year, Netherlands Defense Attaché Norbert Moerkens will attend a wreath laying ceremony at Ereveld Ancol in Jakarta.

Ceremonies are in English and open to all.

For more information: bit.ly/EKN-15AGS23 (link on bio)

*The formal end of the Second World War was concluded with the Surrender Ceremony on the USS Missouri on 2 September 1945.





Photo credit:

03/08/2023

🌺 Embracing Remembrance with Love and Care 🕊️

As the 15th of August Nationale Herdenking draws near, our hearts are filled with profound reverence and compassion as we prepare the hallowed grounds of the Ereveld.

We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the families who have kindly ordered flowers for this solemn occasion. We hold each family in our hearts during this time of remembrance.

The Ereveld is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. As we meticulously tend to this hallowed ground, we recognize that each name etched on these stones tells a unique story - one of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience.

This month, our commitment to caring for the Ereveld is infused with an even deeper sense of purpose. Beyond preserving history, we seek to carry the lessons from the past, both inspiring and cautionary, to guide us in shaping a future filled with compassion and understanding.

As we come together on the 15th of August, we shall lay a wreath as a symbol of eternal remembrance for all who rest here. Let us unite our hearts in reflection, cherishing the memories and using them as inspiration to bring about positive changes and make an impact that paves the way for a future filled with peace.

13/03/2023

Tonight, approximately 50 people came together to hold a candlelight vigil to commemorate the 75 years of Ereveld Pandu. Even though there was heavy rain in the afternoon until around dawn, and light trickle continued throughout the event, people still came together for the commemoration.

For those of you who have often visited Ereveld Pandu, you would know that this is such a beautiful field of honour. The rows of grave signs are accurately aligned, the variety of plants are beautifully arranged, there is even a mountain scenery that surrounds it.

But the stunning view during the day slightly vanishes when evening comes...we are hit with the reality of the silence of the night. Full of darkness with endless white grave signs...as far as the eyes can see.

Tonight, we are reminded that Ereveld Pandu is a silent witness to the cruelty of war. There are grandparents, parents, siblings and innocent children buried here. Some are soldiers, while some are civilians who may be civil servants, nuns or even performers. Many are devastatingly are also unknown. We must remember that there are no real winners in war, all are just victims.

Tonight, we light up some of the graves here by placing candles, while reflecting on the past, and contemplating on what we can do in the present, to ensure a future of peace and safety for all.

09/03/2023

Today we commemorate the 75 years of Ereveld Pandu with an intimate and small ceremony with the closest community and partners in Bandung.

The event opened with the lighting of the torch at the Algemeen Monument, followed by a sharing session with representation from KPB Belindo, Cerita Bandung, Bandung Good Guide, Bandoeng Waktoe Itoe, Historie van Bandoeng and Tjimahi Heritage, then concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony.

On this occasion, we share stories of historical events, figures and victims related to Ereveld Pandu. We also discuss how we can further collaborate in keeping the stories alive.

For our partners in Bandung, the stories at Ereveld Pandu are not mere stories. These people are enthusiasts that are passionate in continually learning about history, so that we can reflect on the past and discover what we can do in the present, to ensure a future of peace and safety for all.

We really appreciate the collaboration with our community and partners throughout the years. They have really contributed in educating the public on Ereveld Pandu and the victims buried there.