Ereveld Ancol

27/04/2026

We are deeply saddened to share that Mr FX Hadi Susilo, opzichter (manager) of Ereveld Ancol, passed away on Saturday, 25 April 2026.

His passing is a significant loss to all of us. Throughout his time with us, he carried out his responsibilities with great dedication, care, and sincerity in maintaining and looking after Ereveld Ancol.

Beyond his work, he was a kind person and a friend who was deeply loved by many.

May he rest peacefully, and may his family find strength and comfort during this difficult time.

Thank you for your dedication and kindness. You will be remembered.

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 Ancol is one of these final seven.
This cemetery, in particular, has seen the reburial of war victims from Bandjermasin (1961), Medan (1966), Makassar (1968), and Mandor (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. 🕊

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.

11/11/2023

🌺 Important Announcement: Temporary Closure of Ereveld Ancol for Asbestos Project 🌺

Dear families, friends and visitors,

We would like to inform you that Ereveld Ancol will be temporarily closed from the 12th of November until the 21st due to a necessary asbestos removal project. The safety and well-being of our cherished visitors and dedicated workers are of utmost importance to us.

During this period, the entire area will be sterilized to ensure a safe environment for everyone. We understand the significance of Ereveld Ancol as a place of remembrance, reflection, and connection with our war victims and shared history. Please be assured that this temporary closure is a proactive measure to guarantee the safety of all those who honour the memories of their loved ones resting at Ereveld Ancol.

We understand the emotional importance of visiting the war cemetery. Our team at Oorlogsgravenstichting Indonesia and specifically the team at Ereveld Ancol is committed to making this closure as brief as possible while prioritising the health and safety of all.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this temporary closure. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us. We look forward to welcoming you back to Ereveld Ancol after the completion of this essential asbestos removal project.

Thank you for your understanding, and may we continue to honour and remember our war victims with the respect they deserve.

With heartfelt regards,
OGS Indonesia and The Ereveld Ancol Team

12/09/2023

On this significant day, we gathered at Ereveld Ancol to pay tribute to the war victims and to look toward a brighter future. Today marked the commemoration of the end of the Second World War in Asia, a moment etched in history.

This year, a special initiative by the Netherlands Embassy brought the commemoration to Ereveld Ancol, an important rotation highlighting the significance of these solemn ceremonies.

Colonel Norbert Moerkens, Netherlands Defense Attaché, led the ceremony with heartfelt words, reminding us of the sacrifices made on this very ground. "It was exactly where we stand now that men and women were executed. Their bodies were left in the swamp and found in mass graves. That made separate identification no longer possible, and that is also why many of the graves you see here today are nameless. While there might be graves here that remain nameless, they are not forgotten."

Three wreaths were laid on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Stichting Nationale Herdenking 15 Augustus 1945, and Oorlogsgravenstichting. 🕊️

In this solemn ceremony, we were honored to have Lieutenant Colonel Jon Larnach-Jones represent the Australian Embassy, highlighting the importance of international unity in commemorating the past.

As we gather at Ereveld Ancol, we not only remember the past but also celebrate the commitment of those who work tirelessly to ensure that the sacrifices made are never forgotten. Together, we are charting a path toward lasting peace and unity.

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

This year, we are honoured to have Netherlands Defense Attaché Norbert Moerkens participate in a wreath laying ceremony at Ereveld Ancol in Jakarta, paying tribute to those who gave their all for a better future. 🌹

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 for the upcoming commemoration.

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.

02/06/2023

🌸 Important Update 🌸

🕊️ Ereveld Ancol and Formula E Event 🕊️

Dear families, friends and visitors,

We would like to provide you with an update regarding Ereveld Ancol and the Formula E event taking place nearby. While there is a possibility to visit during the event, we cannot assure access to the Ereveld grounds due to logistical considerations.

We understand the importance of paying respects to our fallen victims and the desire to visit their resting place. However, please note that access may be limited during this time. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to families seeking to honour their loved ones.

We recommend reaching out to our team for the most up-to-date information regarding visitation possibilities. Our dedicated staff will do their best to assist and provide guidance based on the current situation.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time. Our priority remains in preserving the sanctity of Ereveld Ancol and ensuring a respectful environment for all.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

Warm regards,
OGS Indonesia and The Ereveld Ancol Team

02/06/2023

🌸 Important Announcement 🌸

Dear families, friends and visitors,

In our continuous commitment to honour and remember our beloved fallen victims, we would like to inform you that Ereveld Ancol will be closed on the 3rd and 4th of June. This temporary closure is due to the exciting presence of Formula E racing event taking place near the Ereveld premises.

We understand that this closure might affect those who had planned to visit the graves of their loved ones during this time. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused, especially to the families who hold a special place in their hearts for these hallowed grounds.

At Ereveld Ancol, we deeply value and respect the sanctity of this sacred place, as well as the emotional significance it holds for families seeking solace and connection with their ancestors. We assure you that this closure is temporary, and we will resume regular operations promptly.

We encourage you to plan your visit accordingly, and our heartfelt suggestion is to mark this temporary pause as an opportunity to reflect on the resilience and bravery of our war victims, not only within the confines of the Ereveld, but also all those who have fallen during the time.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support in this matter. Together, let us remember and honour our fallen war victims, cherishing the memories they have left behind. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team.

Thank you for your continued support and compassion.

Warm regards,
OGS Indonesia and The Ereveld Ancol Team

15/12/2022

Join us on our Exhibitions, only available this month at Ereveld Ancol and Ereveld Menteng Pulo!

The photos and videos exhibited will take us on a journey of reflection...to a much more difficult time and situation. To reflect on the impacts of war and remind us how peace is not a given.

We hope this exhibition will ignite conversations on what we can learn from the past and discuss what we can do in the present to contribute for a world of peace and safety for all.

Lest we forget

13/12/2022

On Saturday morning, a photo exhibition opening with the theme "Dari Masa Lalu untuk Masa Depan dalam Persaudaraan Lebih Baik" was held at Ereveld Ancol. We hope the photo exhibition can help us all reflect on the past to build a future of peace and friendship.

The photo exhibition takes us on a journey of seven feature stories of war victims who are buried/were buried at Ereveld Ancol. They all, in one way or another, heroically sacrificed their lives during WWII.

In this opportunity, we highlight the account of Teuku Muhammad Hasan Geulumpang Payung, Luchien Ubels, Prof. Dr. Achmad Mochtar, Bauke Jan Haga, Emmanuel Victor Frederick Tours Bijns, John Leslie Appleby, and KH Zainal Mustafa.

In addition to the feature stories, we also display old photos of the development of Ereveld Ancol since its initiation in 1946. The photos are placed in the location of event/feature so everyone can imagine and reflect on the situation it was in the past and see how we've maintained or changed over time.

In the opening ceremony, we were honoured to have the attendance of Cut Alyanur from Badan Penghubung Pemerintah Aceh (Aceh Government Liaison Agency), as a representation from Teuku Muhammad Hassan G. P. relatives, the Netherlands Defence Attache, Colonel Norbert Moerkens, our partners and local communities.

The photo exhibition opening was done by Colonel Norbert Moerkens and F. X. Hadi Susilo, the Opzichter of Ereveld Ancol, by symbolically opening the curtain over the picture of Teuku Muhammad Hassan G. P.. The event was then followed by a wreath laying ceremony and moment of silence led by Eveline de Vink as Director of OGS Indonesia and Cut Alyanur.

The photo exhibition will run every weekend this month at Ereveld Ancol. We welcome everyone to come and reflect with us the stories and journey of the war victims and Ereveld Ancol!