Prabowo Visits Ancestral Graves in Netherlands

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – On the sidelines of his working visit in the Netherlands, president Prabowo Subianto made a personal pilgrimage to the graves of his grandmother and grandfather. This visit, occurring on May 14, 2024, holds significant emotional weight for the President, connecting him to his family history and Indonesian figures who played a role in the nation’s independence movement.

The graves are located in the Begraafplaats Oud Eik en Duinen cemetery in The Hague. Prabowo paid respects to his grandmother, Nyi Raden Ayu Soekarno, and his grandfather, Raden mas Soekarno, the father of Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno. He was accompanied by first Lady Ibu Iriana and a small delegation.

According to a statement released by the Presidential Secretariat, Prabowo expressed deep gratitude for the sacrifices made by his ancestors. He emphasized their contributions to the Indonesian struggle for independence and their enduring legacy. The visit was described as a moment of reflection and a reaffirmation of his commitment to upholding the values they championed.

Raden Mas Soekarno, Prabowo’s grandfather, was a prominent figure in the Sarekat Islam, one of the earliest Indonesian nationalist organizations. He actively advocated for Indonesian self-governance during the Dutch colonial period. Nyi Raden Ayu Soekarno played a vital role in supporting her husband’s political activities and raising their son, Soekarno, who woudl later become the nation’s founding father.

This visit underscores prabowo’s focus on national identity and historical awareness. It also highlights the complex historical ties between Indonesia and the Netherlands, a relationship marked by both colonial past and contemporary cooperation. The President’s gesture is seen as a symbolic act of honoring the past while looking towards a future of strengthened bilateral relations.

Key Takeaways

• president Prabowo Subianto visited the graves of his grandmother and grandfather in The Hague, Netherlands.
• His ancestors, Raden Mas Soekarno and Nyi Raden Ayu Soekarno, were key figures in the early Indonesian nationalist movement.
• The visit was a personal pilgrimage and a tribute to their contributions to Indonesia’s independence.
• It symbolizes Prabowo’s commitment to national identity and historical awareness.
• The gesture aims to strengthen Indonesia-netherlands relations by acknowledging shared history.