Ereveld Menteng Pulo

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 Menteng Pulo has a particularly significant role in this history.
This cemetery has seen the reburial of war victims from Bandjermasin (1961), Tarakan (1964), Menado (1965), Palembang (1967), Balikpapan (1967), Makassar (1968), and Tjililitan (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 once again host the commemoration of the Cessation of the Second World War in Asia at Ereveld Menteng Pulo, Jakarta.

This year marks the 80th anniversary—a significant milestone in our collective memory. On Friday, 15 August 2025, we will gather in remembrance of those who suffered and sacrificed during the war, and to reflect on the lasting importance of peace, unity, and understanding.

🕊️ Time:
• Welcome: 4.00 PM
• Ceremony begins: 4.30 PM
🌍 Ceremony will be conducted in English and is open to all.

This commemoration is not only about learning from the past—it’s also about the future. By remembering those who suffered during the war, we learn the importance of compassion, resilience, and unity across generations. Whether young or old, from any walk of life, all are welcome to take part in this meaningful moment of reflection.

🔗 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.

22/04/2025

Every year on 4 May, the Netherlands observes its National Remembrance Day, commemorating victims of the Second World War and of conflicts and peacekeeping missions that followed.

In Jakarta, this remembrance will take place at Ereveld Menteng Pulo on Sunday, 4 May 2025, where members of the Dutch community and others living in Indonesia are invited to gather in reflection.

🕘 Time: 09:30 AM (entry from 09:00 AM)
📍 Location: Ereveld Menteng Pulo, Jakarta
🗣️ The ceremony will be held in Dutch

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands will lay a wreath, followed by representatives of other organizations. If you wish to lay a wreath, please contact the Defense Attaché’s office no later than Thursday, 24 April at 10:00 AM.

✍️ For more information and to confirm your attendence, please visit www.netherlandsandyou.nl/web/indonesia/w/commemoration-4-may-2025 .
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Feel free to bring your younger family members to be part of this meaningful commemoration

DUTCH VERSION

BEKENDMAKING

Aan de Nederlandse gemeenschap en andere geïnteresseerden in Indonesië

DODENHERDENKING 4 MEI 2025

Op zondag 4 mei herdenkt Nederland de slachtoffers van de Tweede Wereldoorlog en van oorlogssituaties en vredesoperaties daarna.

In Indonesië vindt op die dag de herdenking plaats op Ereveld Menteng Pulo in Jakarta om 09:30 uur (inloop vanaf 09:00 uur) en op Ereveld Kembang Kuning in Surabaya om 09:00 uur (inloop vanaf 08:30 uur). Wij nodigen u van harte uit om aanwezig te zijn om samen te herdenken en moedigen u van harte aan om uw jongere familieleden mee te nemen. U kunt uw aanwezigheid kenbaar maken middels dit formulier: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxyCLIkIvn8BSwjEAEhF7VfazjhrVqHKkqq59gLObL6UckNQ/viewform

Nadat kort is stilgestaan bij het belang van het herdenken, zullen de Ambassadeur in Jakarta en de Honorair Consul in Surabaya namens het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden een krans leggen. Vervolgens is er de gelegenheid voor vertegenwoordigers van andere organisaties tot het leggen van een krans. Hiertoe kan contact worden opgenomen met het bureau van de Defensie Attaché op de Nederlandse Ambassade uiterlijk donderdag 24 april, 10:00 uur: https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/web/indonesia/about-us/contact-embassy-jakarta

Nederland kent een drietal nationale herdenkingen; de Nationale Dodenherdenking op 4 mei, de Nationale Herdenking 15 augustus 1945 en de Nationale Holocaust Herdenking op laatste zondag in januari. De balans tussen de herdenkingen is mede afhankelijk van waar deze in de wereld plaatsvinden. In Nederlands-Indië, zoals Indonesië toen werd genoemd, eindigde de Tweede Wereldoorlog op 15 augustus 1945 met de capitulatie van Japan. De 4 mei herdenking is daarom hier beperkter in karakter dan de herdenking op 15 augustus.

Colonel Norbert Moerkens MA
Netherlands Defence Attaché for Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand

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ENGLISH VERSION

ANNOUNCEMENT

To the Dutch community and other interested parties in Indonesia

COMMEMORATION 4 MAY 2025

On Sunday, 4 May, the Netherlands commemorates the victims of the Second World War and of subsequent war situations and peace operations.

In Indonesia, the commemoration will take place on that day at Ereveld Menteng Pulo in Jakarta at 09:30 (admission from 09:00) and at Ereveld Kembang Kuning in Surabaya at 09:00 (admission from 08:30). We cordially invite you to be present to commemorate together, and warmly encourage you to bring along your younger family members. You can make your presence known using this form:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxyCLIkIvn8BSwjEAEhF7VfazjhrVqHKkqq59gLObL6UckNQ/viewform

After briefly reflecting on the importance of commemoration, the Ambassador in Jakarta and the Honorary Consul in Surabaya will lay a wreath on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Representatives of other organizations will then have the opportunity to lay a wreath. For this purpose, contact the office of the Defense Attaché at the Dutch Embassy the latest Thursday 24 April, 10:00hr: https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/web/indonesia/about-us/contact-embassy-jakarta

The Netherlands has three national commemorations; the National Remembrance Day on 4 May, the National Commemoration on 15 August 1945 and the National Holocaust Commemoration on the last Sunday in January. The balance between the commemorations also depends on where in the world they take place. In the Dutch East Indies, as Indonesia was then called, the Second World War ended on 15 August 1945 with the capitulation of Japan. The 4 May commemoration is therefore more limited in nature than the commemoration on 15 August.

Colonel Norbert Moerkens MA
Netherlands Defence Attaché for Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand

08/08/2024

We invite you to join us at Ereveld Menteng Pulo as we commemorate the Cessation of the Second World War in Asia.

This year’s main commemoration in Indonesia will be held on 15th August, with the following schedule:

Welcome: 4:30 PM
Start Ceremony: 5:00 PM

We are honoured to have defense attachés from different countries participating in our wreath-laying ceremony, paying tribute to those who gave their all for a better future. 🌹 This international presence underscores the unity and shared values among nations committed to peace.

This poignant act honours the lives given in pursuit of a brighter future – a future we cherish today. As we remember these war victims, we reflect on the profound impact their bravery has had on our world and commit to the ideals of peace and understanding.

We encourage everyone to attend this special ceremony, which not only represents different countries coming together but also highlights the importance of different generations remembering and learning from the past.

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

On Thursday 15 August 2024 we will commemorate the cessation* of the Second World War in Asia.

We invite you to ceremonies with speeches and wreath laying in Semarang, Surabaya, and Jakarta.

This year a special melati flower wreath made of a 1000 handmade melati’s by volunteers in the Netherlands will be laid at Ereveld Menteng Pulo in Jakarta.

Ceremonies are in English and open to all. For more information: bit.ly/EKN-ERV15AUG24 (link on bio) or go to our website.

(Please note that video recordings will be made for the broadcasting of the National 15th of August Commemoration in the Netherlands)

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

20/05/2024

🌺 Important Announcement: Temporary Closure of Ereveld Menteng Pulo 🌺

Dear families, friends, and visitors,

We would like to inform you that Ereveld Menteng Pulo will be temporarily closed from the 20th of May until the 8th of June. Families and visitors are welcome to return on the 9th of June, although please note that some areas may still be closed.

The safety and well-being of our cherished visitors and dedicated workers are of utmost importance to us.

We understand the significance of Ereveld Menteng Pulo as a place of remembrance, reflection, and connection with our war victims and shared history. This temporary closure is a proactive measure to ensure the safety of all those who honour the memories of their loved ones resting at Ereveld Menteng Pulo.

We understand the emotional importance of visiting the war cemetery. Our team at Oorlogsgravenstichting Indonesia and specifically the team at Ereveld Menteng Pulo 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 Menteng Pulo after the completion of this essential project.

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

With heartfelt regards,
OGS Indonesia and The Ereveld Menteng Pulo Team

04/05/2024

In the serene setting of Ereveld Menteng Pulo, we gathered today, on the 4th of May, to honour the victims of war and peace operations since World War II.

Ambassador Lambert Grijns' words resonated with solemnity, a poignant reminder of the fragility of peace. "We should not take our peace and freedom for granted," he said, his voice carrying the weight of history.

Wreaths adorned the grounds, each one a testament to the lives lost and the peace we cherish. Ambassador Grijns laid a wreath on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, joined by representatives from various organisations, including the Ministry of Defence, Veterans Platform, The Dutch Businesses Network, The Netherlands Club Jakarta, and the Netherlands War Graves Foundation.

With the solemnity of the occasion, there was an unwavering sense of unity and purpose among those gathered. This commemoration was a pledge to remember those who have fallen and strive for a peaceful future. Let us carry the torch of remembrance as we work towards a world where peace prevails.

29/04/2024

Dodenherdenking - Remembrance of the Fallen.

On behalf of the Embassy of the Netherlands, we extend this invitation to join us on 4th of May for a significant event. This date marks the remembrance of the victims of World War II and subsequent conflicts, a day of reflection and honour for those who have suffered.

ℹ️ Commemoration Details:
🕘 Time: 9:30 AM onwards (entry from 9:00 AM)
📍 Location: Ereveld Menteng Pulo, Jakarta
🗣️ Language: Dutch

This commemoration is more than just a ceremony; it's a crucial moment for us to come together, reflect on the past, and discuss how we can actively contribute to a peaceful future. Your presence and participation are vital as we strive for a better, more harmonious world for all. Let's remember, reflect, and act for peace.

✨ RSVP and More Info: bit.ly/EKN-DD2024

13/09/2023

Gathered at Ereveld Menteng Pulo on this significant day, we shared moments of reflection on the profound impacts of war and our collective commitment to a more peaceful world. Today marks the commemoration of the end of the Second World War in Asia, a moment that resonates deeply with all of us.

In a ceremony graced by poignant words and heartfelt speeches, we contemplated the dilemmas faced by individuals during wartime. Eveline de Vink, the Director of Oorlogsgravenstichting Indonesia, reminded us that the reality of war presents continuous challenges. August de Bats, Emmy van Gennip, and Gayle Mahulette were among our esteemed guests, representing the 2 million people in the Netherlands who still have a deep connection with the former Dutch East Indies, delve into the quest for understanding among the younger generation. While Revina Tiara, from the Indonesia Nederland Youth Society, passionately advocated for a deliberate choice in favor of peace.

As we stood together, we couldn't help but recognize the different perspectives and experiences represented here today. It's a vivid reminder that suffering knows no borders, and the enduring legacy of peace transcends nations.

His excellency Ambassador Lambert Grijns ignited a spark of hope in the younger generation, who actively participated in today's ceremony. He encouraged them to embrace their role in shaping the future, illuminating history's pages with their actions.

At the general flag monument, wreaths were laid on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, and by the Defense Attaches from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom, representing their respective countries. Stichting Nationale Herdenking 15 Augustus 1945 and the OGS also paid their heartfelt respects. A wreath was also laid by August de Bats, Emmy van Gennip, and Gayle Mahulette.

The Ereveld Menteng Pulo commemoration is not just a remembrance of the past but a shared commitment to a brighter, more harmonious future. Together, we're shaping that future, one filled with unity, friendship, and lasting peace.

08/08/2023

On behalf of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Indonesia, we are honoured to invite you to a significant event that holds a deep place in history. 🕊️

Join us as we mark the Commemoration of the Cessation of the Second World War at the Netherlands War Cemeteries in Jakarta and Surabaya on Tuesday, 15 August 2023. 🇳🇱

This solemn occasion is a tribute to the brave souls who endured the turmoil of war and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for peace. The ceremonies, conducted in English, will take place at Ereveld Menteng Pulo in Jakarta and Ereveld Kembang Kuning in Surabaya. In addition, wreaths will be reverently laid at the other Erevelden – Ancol, Pandu, Leuwigajah, Kalibanteng, and Candi.

We warmly welcome everyone to join us in this moment of remembrance and unity. At Ereveld Menteng Pulo, the commemoration will take place at 05:00-06:00 PM (welcome at 04:30 PM).

Let us come together to honour history and reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful world. For more information about the event, please visit https://bit.ly/EKN-15AGS23 .

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.