Ereveld literally means field (veld) of honour (eer) and it refers to Netherlands War Cemeteries, serving as the eternal resting place of war victims. These sacred grounds are meticulously cared for, ensuring that the memories and sacrifices of those resting here are forever remembered.
The Netherlands War Graves Foundation, known in Dutch as Oorlogsgravenstichting (OGS), has a team in Indonesia, operating under the headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands. We’re devoted to the upkeep of seven war cemeteries across Java. These sites are more than just burial grounds; they’re narratives of resilience, the final resting place for over 25,000 war victims from diverse backgrounds — civilian and military alike — united by the tragedies of war.
Curious to learn more? Visit our “Who we are” page.
The Netherlands war cemeteries in Indonesia are final resting places for Dutch, British, American, Australian and Indonesian individuals recognised as war victims by the Dutch government. They were caught in the centre of the Second World War, the Indonesian National Revolution, and the West New Guinea dispute. On average 75% of the war victims buried at the Dutch war cemeteries in Indonesia are civilians and around 25% military; including men, women and children from different backgrounds and religions.
Approximately 25,000 war victims have found peace across the seven war cemeteries in Indonesia, each site telling its own story of valour, loss, and remembrance.
Indonesia is home to seven Dutch war cemeteries, each with its unique history and significance. From the tranquillity of Ereveld Menteng Pulo and Ereveld Ancol in Jakarta to the solemn beauty of Ereveld Pandu in Bandung, Ereveld Leuwigajah in Cimahi, Ereveld Kalibanteng and Ereveld Candi in Semarang, and Ereveld Kembang Kuning in Surabaya, these hallowed grounds remind us of the cost of peace.
The creation of the war cemeteries dates back to the 1946-1950 period, leaning on the initial effort of the Royal Netherlands Indies Army’s (KNIL) Graves Registration Unit. With the dissolution of the KNIL in 1950, the task of maintaining these sites was entrusted to the Netherlands War Graves Foundation.
For a deeper dive into our journey, head over to our “How we got here” page.
The establishment of the Netherlands war cemeteries in Indonesia was intended to provide a dignified and lasting resting place for war victims recognised by the Netherlands government. These cemeteries also reflect the commitment to preserve their memory with care and respect.
The establishment of the cemeteries is founded on agreements between the Indonesian and Netherlands governments. The most recent agreement was formalised in the Indonesian Presidential Decree No. 30 of 1971.
The land on which the Netherlands war cemeteries (in Indonesia) are located belongs to Indonesia. It is provided by the Indonesian government specifically for the purpose of maintaining Netherlands war cemeteries and ensuring a dignified resting place for war victims. As stipulated, the land cannot be repurposed for any other use, safeguarding the sanctity and intent of these grounds.
The Dutch flag is only raised at the Netherlands war cemeteries during official Dutch commemorations or ceremonies, as outlined in the agreement under the Indonesian Presidential Decree. On other occasions, the flag may only be raised with approval from the Indonesian government. This practice reflects mutual respect and adherence to the agreed protocols between the two nations.
While we maintain a close working relationship with the Netherlands Embassy in Jakarta, OGS Indonesia operates independently. We are part of the Netherlands War Graves Foundation, headquartered in The Hague, and function as a separate entity from the embassy.
As part of the Netherlands War Graves Foundation, OGS Indonesia operates under the guidance of its headquarters in The Hague. The foundation receives subsidies from the Netherlands Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. Additionally, our work is supported by the Friends of the Netherlands War Graves Foundation, whose contributions enable us to maintain the war cemeteries and keep the stories of war victims alive for future generations.
The War Graves Foundation has been caring for the graves of Dutch war victims all over the world for over 75 years. Our mission also includes preserving the stories of war victims and sharing them with younger generations to inspire reflection and encourage contributions toward a peaceful and secure society. By building a bridge between the past and the present, we aim to foster understanding and remembrance.
If you wish to support this mission, you can do so through the Friends of the Netherlands War Graves Foundation. Donations directly fund projects designed to keep the memory of war victims alive and spark reflections. For more information and to access donation options, please visit our website: Oorlogsgravenstichting – Steun ons.
Your support plays a vital role in ensuring the continued care of the cemeteries and the preservation of these stories for generations to come. Thank you for considering joining us in this important endeavour.
The Dutch war victims buried in Indonesia died in the region during World War II, the Indonesian National Revolution, and the West New Guinea dispute. Many of these individuals were civilians who were caught in the turmoil of war, soldiers, and prisoners of war. Some died in battles, while others succumbed to harsh conditions in prison camps or as a result of execution.
In the years following the armed conflicts, as the Netherlands and Indonesia dealt with their aftermath, it was determined that the war victims who had passed away in Indonesia should remain where they were buried.
There are practical and emotional reasons for this decision. Repatriating the remains of those who died in Indonesia would have been logistically difficult, costly, and emotionally challenging for the families and for the country. The long distance between Indonesia and the Netherlands, as well as the political and social context of the time, made it more feasible and respectful to maintain the graves in the region, where the war victims had lived and died.
The consolidation of the original 22 war cemeteries in Indonesia into the current seven in Java was carried out at the request of the Indonesian government. Initially, there were 22 war cemeteries spread across the Indonesian archipelago. Over time, this number was reduced to 12 cemeteries, and eventually, only seven remained on the island of Java. This consolidation allowed for more efficient management of the cemeteries and easier access for visitors.
All 25.000 war victims initially buried at the 22 war cemeteries were reburied on the current seven sites in Java. These cemeteries continue to be carefully maintained and serve as poignant places of remembrance.
For more information about how this process unfolded, you can visit our How We Got Here page.
The employees of OGS Indonesia work as part of the Netherlands War Graves Foundation. They are not civil servants of either the Indonesian or Netherlands governments. Instead, as a non-profit organisation, we carry out the foundation’s mission to honour and preserve the memory of war victims.
No, the employees at OGS Indonesia are paid in Indonesian rupiah. Their salaries align with the standards set by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs for local Indonesian staff, following guidelines also applied by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jakarta.
Not many of the employees at the Netherlands War Graves Foundation in Indonesia speak Dutch, particularly those working at the war cemeteries. The majority of our field staff primarily speak Indonesian. If you require assistance in Dutch, we recommend contacting our central office, where staff members will assist you in your preferred language.
As an organisation committed to growth and development, there may be opportunities to join our team in the future. When vacancies become available, we post updates on our Indonesian website and social media channels. We encourage you to follow us on social media and check our Opportunies page on our website.
The Netherlands war cemeteries in Indonesia are generally open to the public daily from 7 AM to 5 PM. We warmly welcome everyone who wishes to visit the cemeteries, reflect, and explore these serene spaces at their own pace.
Although the gates may appear closed upon arrival, visitors can press the bell button, and our staff will open the gate for you. Please note that it can take some time for the staff to reach the gate depending on where they are on the field.
For detailed guidance, including suggested routes and specific gate instructions, please see the individual videos available on the web page dedicated to each war cemetery.
To ensure the cemeteries remain dignified and respectful spaces, we kindly ask all visitors to adhere to the general guidelines outlined in the following video. These rules are designed to preserve the sanctity of the cemeteries while allowing visitors to experience these sites.
While we do not have guides on standby at the cemeteries, we do our best to accommodate requests for guided tours. For large groups or communities, tours can be arranged with the war cemetery managers, depending on their availability.
Additionally, we collaborate with partner organisations in each city that provide guided tours outside of our regular working hours. If you are interested in arranging a guided tour or require contact information for our partner organisations, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to assist you in making your visit as meaningful as possible.
Yes, parking facilities are available at all the war cemeteries, albeit to different extent. If you are planning to visit with a larger group, we kindly ask you to inform us in advance. This allows us to ensure your convenience and make any necessary arrangements to accommodate your visit.
To make your visit to the war cemeteries comfortable, we recommend wearing a hat and comfortable shoes, as the cemeteries often cover expansive areas. Bringing a bottle of water is also advisable, especially during hot weather. Additionally, carrying an umbrella can be helpful as the weather in the area can be unpredictable, ranging from strong sunshine to sudden rain. These tips can help you navigate the grounds with ease and comfort.
Yes, seating areas are available around the grounds, providing visitors with places to rest. Additionally, all the war cemeteries have a pendopo — a traditional open structure — where you can take a break, gather information about the cemetery, and sign the guest book to leave your impression of your visit.
Yes, visitors are welcome to step on the grass to visit individual graves. However, we strongly advise you to avoid walking near bushes, flowerbeds, or areas where wildlife might be present. The war cemeteries are maintained as balanced ecosystems, and you may encounter snakes, lizards, or other wildlife that inhabit these areas. Being cautious and respectful of both the graves and the natural environment ensures the safety of visitors and helps preserve the ecosystem as well as the atmosphere of the cemeteries.
To show respect for the war victims, it is recommended that visitors avoid stepping over or near the head of the graves. Typically, the remains of the war victims are laid to rest with their heads positioned close to the gravestones. As a gesture of respect, we encourage walking behind the gravestones rather than directly in front of them.
This small act of consideration acknowledges the solemnity of the site and honours the memory of those who rest there. By observing these practices, visitors contribute to the respectful and dignified atmosphere of the war cemeteries.
Absolutely, groups are welcome at the war cemeteries. However, we kindly request that you inform us in advance to ensure there are no scheduling conflicts with other events. If your group includes a guide, you are welcome to conduct your own tour of the site.
If you would like assistance in explaining the history or significance of the cemetery, please coordinate with our war cemetery managers ahead of time. For large groups or communities, tours can often be arranged depending on the manager’s availability.
We also collaborate with local partner organisations in each city that offer guided tours outside of our regular working hours. Should you need help arranging a guided tour or wish to contact one of our partner organisations, feel free to get in touch with us. We are happy to assist in making your visit respectful and meaningful.
If you plan to use professional equipment such as cameras or drones for photography or videography at the war cemeteries, prior permission is required. While we welcome the thoughtful documentation of these solemn grounds, this process ensures that all activities align with the dignity of the sites.
By obtaining permission, you help us preserve the cemeteries’ respectful atmosphere and adhere to regulations that honour the memory of the war victims. If you are interested in conducting a photoshoot or using drones, please contact us in advance to discuss your plans and obtain the necessary approvals.
Each war cemetery has a pendopo with the war victim registry that can help you locate the graves of loved ones. Additionally, we recommend using the database on our Netherlands website: Oorlogsgravenstichting.
By entering the name of the war victim into the database, you will find information about them, including the exact location of their grave within the cemetery.
The war cemeteries accommodate various types of visits, catering to personal, educational, and professional interests. Whether you are visiting for personal discovery, conducting research, or engaging in studies related to history, remembrance, or war legacies, the war cemeteries provide a space for meaningful reflection and learning.
To learn more about the different types of visits and how to plan yours, please visit the Visit Us page on our website.
The safety of our visitors and staff is a top priority. As part of maintaining the natural ecosystem within the war cemeteries, a variety of wild animals inhabit these areas, many of which become more active at night. These include snakes, lizards, and other wildlife that could pose a risk to visitors.
By restricting visits to daylight hours, we aim to ensure the well-being of all visitors while preserving the delicate balance of the cemetery’s ecosystem. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment.
Yes, there are three significant commemorations held annually at various war cemeteries in Indonesia:
These ceremonies are organised by the Netherlands Defence Attaché’s office in collaboration with the Embassy of the Netherlands in Jakarta and the Netherlands Honorary Consul in Surabaya, and hosted by OGS Indonesia. Each event carries its own unique significance, uniting attendees in reflection and remembrance.
To learn more about these commemorations and their details, visit our Commemoration page.
Yes, the Dutch national commemorations held at the war cemeteries are typically open to the public.
However, attendance details and protocols are shared closer to the event dates through formal announcements by the Embassy of the Netherlands. These announcements are published on their official website and social media platforms. OGS Indonesia also shares these updates on our own social media and website to ensure you don’t miss any information.
If you wish to attend, we encourage you to follow the Embassy’s and our updates closely as the date approaches.
We warmly welcome groups or communities interested in holding events at the war cemetery, provided the events align with our mission and respect the solemn nature of the site. To ensure your event fits the purpose of the war cemetery and does not conflict with other scheduled activities, please contact our war cemetery managers to discuss the details further.
No, there is no fee to use the war cemeteries for events. However, all activities must align with the purpose and values of the war cemeteries. Ereveld is a place of remembrance and reflection, so any planned event must be respectful and appropriate for the setting. If you’re considering hosting an event, please contact us in advance to discuss your plans and ensure they are in line with the cemetery’s purpose.
We are always open to collaborations in various fields that support our aim to maintain the sites and graves, to preserve the stories of war victims and inspire reflection. If you have ideas or opportunities for collaboration, feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to explore the possibilities together.
While we do not currently have official volunteer positions available, we value your interest in supporting our mission. If you have ideas on how you can contribute, please feel free to reach out to us. We would be happy to discuss potential opportunities for you to get involved.
There are several different types of gravestones at the war cemeteries, designed to reflect the diverse religious identities of the war victims. To better understand the significance and symbolism of these gravestones, please refer to the accompanying visual guide.
With one or two exceptions, the graves at the war cemeteries in Indonesia are not symbolic. Each grave marks the final resting place of a war victim, and it is important to note that these graves contain the remains of the individuals who died during war. Victims only have a grave if their remains were found. In cases where no remains are found, the names of the victims are listed on monuments or the remembrance books.
Verzamelgraf translates to “collective grave,” where multiple individuals are buried together. This often occurs when the remains of war victims cannot be individually identified or separated, resulting in their burial in a shared grave.
Geexecuteerd translates to “executed.” Graves marked with this term indicate that the war victims died due to execution at a specific location, which is often noted on the gravestone.
Onbekend translates to “unknown.” These graves belong to unidentified war victims whose identities remain unverified.
The cross on Muslim graves does not represent Christianity. Instead, it is an international symbol of death originating from the Roman era, symbolizing a dagger/sword used to mark the passing of a person during that time. It is used universally and does not denote religious affiliation.
The identities of the war victims buried in the war cemeteries are derived from an extensive database maintained by the Netherlands War Graves Foundation. This database was initially compiled based on records from wartime and post-war periods, including official military documents, cemetery registries, and records from other organisations involved in locating and identifying war victims.
The database is continually updated as new information comes to light. This may include details uncovered through research by historians, submissions from families of the war victims, or discoveries by institutions dedicated to war history. Each piece of information is carefully reviewed and verified before being added to the database to ensure its accuracy.
During times of war, records of war victims’ identities were not always accurately documented. Factors such as incomplete data, miscommunication, or administrative errors often led to graves being marked incorrectly.
Over the years, through diligent research by families, friends, or formal institutions, inaccuracies in these records have been identified and rectified. Once a correction is verified through formal processes and official confirmation, we update the gravestone to accurately reflect the war victim’s identity.
These changes highlight the ongoing dedication of loved ones, researchers, and organisations to preserve the stories of the war victims. Even today, this process ensures that the war victims’ legacies are accurately remembered and honoured.
Yes, we strive to accurately represent the identities and details of war victims on their grave signs. The information displayed is based on the most recent verified records and databases. Information that may be incorrect may be displayed on the grave signs, as a result of the complex administrative circumstances during and after wartime.
If you have additional information or official documents that support corrections to a grave—such as changes to names, dates, ranks, or religious symbols—please feel free to contact us. Once we receive this information, we will undertake a formal verification process. This includes thorough research and confirmation from trusted sources to ensure the accuracy of the update.
Yes, changes to the grave signs still occur. On average, there are approximately three updates made each month across the war cemeteries in Indonesia.
These updates are the result of ongoing research conducted by families, historians, or official organisations. Over time, new information about the identities or details of the war victims comes to light. When such discoveries are verified through thorough investigations and formal processes, the grave signs are amended to reflect the accurate information.
This process demonstrates the continuous effort to honour the memory of the war victims. It is a testament to the dedication of loved ones and researchers who strive to preserve their stories and ensure their identities are properly recognised.
The graves at the Netherlands war cemeteries in Indonesia were never designed with mounds but did have concrete borders around each one initially. However, for practical maintenance purposes, these borders were eventually removed.
By transforming the individual graves into grass fields without borders or mounds, the upkeep of the cemeteries became more efficient. This design not only simplifies mowing and cleaning but also ensures that the cemeteries are well-maintained, reflecting the dignity and respect owed to the war victims.
Additionally, this design allows for visitors to walk through the cemeteries more easily while still paying their respects to the fallen.
The number of grave signs in the war cemeteries does not always match the number of war victims buried there. This is because some grave signs represent verzamelgraven or collective graves, which contain the remains of multiple war victims.
Collective graves are used in cases where it is not possible to separate the remains of individuals, often due to the circumstances of their deaths, such as mass executions, battles, or other events where victims were buried together. These grave signs may carry the names of several individuals or, in some cases, remain anonymous if the victims could not be identified.
This practice ensures that every war victim is honoured and remembered, even if their remains cannot be individually distinguished. The use of collective graves reflects the importance of maintaining their memory, regardless of the challenges in identification or separation.
During times of war, the conditions and circumstances varied greatly depending on the area. In many cases, efforts were made to ensure that Muslim graves were separated and oriented toward the Ka’bah, in accordance with Islamic burial traditions. This was done as a mark of respect for their faith.
However, in certain areas or under particularly challenging wartime conditions, it was not always feasible to separate Muslim graves or orient them toward the Ka’bah. For instance, in situations where only a few Muslim soldiers or civilians were buried alongside their comrades, the graves might not face the Ka’bah due to logistical constraints or the urgency of wartime burials. Despite these challenges, every effort was made to honour the religious and cultural identity of the deceased.
Dutch war victims formally identified as such under the official definitions have a right to be buried at the Netherlands war cemeteries.
New graves can be added, for instance, in case of reburials at the request of families when a war victim is buried somewhere else or outside of the war cemeteries. In such cases, the remains of war victims are transferred to the war cemeteries, ensuring their memory is preserved and their resting place continues to be treated with dignity and care.
We do not add ‘new’ graves of recently deceased individuals to the war cemeteries in Indonesia. The graves at the Netherlands war cemeteries in Indonesia are for war victims from the periods of World War II, the Indonesian National Revolution, and the West New Guinea dispute. Any individuals who are not identified as war victims and did not lose their lives during these specific historical periods are not eligible for burial at the war cemeteries in Indonesia.
The presence of many Dutch war victims in Indonesia is deeply rooted in Indonesia’s historical connection to the Netherlands as part of the former Dutch East Indies, which led to a significant Dutch presence in the region. During pivotal moments in history, this connection resulted in many Dutch nationals and soldiers losing their lives on Indonesian soil.
The large number of Dutch war victims in Indonesia can be attributed to three major historical events:
The high number of Dutch war victims reflects the complex and intertwined history of the two nations. The graves of these individuals, preserved in the Netherlands war cemeteries, serve as a reminder of these periods of conflict.
Our primary commitment is to honour the memory of those buried here and to provide a space that fosters reflection, respect, and peace for families and visitors alike. These cemeteries are maintained with utmost care to ensure they remain places of dignity, free from any associations that could detract from their solemn character.
The question of ghost sightings or spiritual beings is one that depends greatly on personal beliefs and perspectives. While some individuals may hold spiritual or supernatural interpretations of such places, others may not. As caretakers of the Netherlands war cemeteries, we focus on their purpose as dignified and peaceful final resting places for the war victims.
We do not allow activities, ceremonies, events etc. referring to ghost sightings, spiritual beings, mysticism, paranormal practices and the like.
We kindly ask all visitors to approach the war cemeteries with sensitivity to the feelings of the families and friends who visit to remember and pay their respect. These sacred grounds hold profound meaning for many, and we hope to preserve their sanctity as places of eternal peace and remembrance.
The term ‘kerkhof’ refers to general Dutch cemeteries, which may serve as burial grounds for people of any background and from any period. Kerkhof cemeteries are common and not restricted to any specific historical events or groups of individuals. They may be used for local communities or families and often reflect a broad range of histories and cultures.
In contrast, ‘ereveld’ is a term exclusively used for Netherlands war cemeteries, dedicated to the places of honouring war victims. In Indonesia, the word ‘ereveld’ specifically refers to the seven war cemeteries in Java.
The war victims registry is a list that contains the names, information, and specific grave locations of war victims who are laid to rest in the Netherlands’ war cemeteries.
The In Memoriam book, on the other hand, serves as a tribute to war victims whose remains were never found or who are buried outside the Netherlands’ war cemeteries. It lists their names and honours their memory, ensuring that even those without a physical grave in the war cemeteries are still remembered.
Together, these two resources play a critical role in commemorating all war victims, whether they have a known resting place in the war cemeteries or are memorialised through the In Memoriam book.
For the most recent updated list of all war victims, please refer to the database on the Netherlands website: Oorlogsgravenstichting.
No, the church at Ereveld Menteng Pulo is not used for regular religious services. It is mainly used for commemorative ceremonies, particularly the Dutch national commemorations held in Indonesia.
Your curiosity and interest in understanding more about the war cemeteries and our mission are warmly welcomed. For any inquiries or further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Visit our “Contact Us” page to start a conversation.
Webdeveloper.id menyediakan jasa pembuatan website profesional untuk bisnis Anda yang mencakup desain modern dan kekinian. Dengan pengalaman lebih dari 1500+ project dan portofolio yang kuat, kami memastikan situs web Anda akan menonjol dan memenuhi kebutuhan bisnis Anda.
