The main public events held annually at Ereveld Kembang Kuning are the commemorations.
While these ceremonies are organised by the Netherlands Defence Attaché’s Office and the Embassy (and consul) of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Indonesia, Ereveld Kembang Kuning serves as the host site for these moments of remembrance.
Through this collaboration, the cemetery becomes a meaningful space where history, reflection, and shared remembrance come together, honouring those who rest here and ensuring their stories continue to inspire future generations.
27 February — The Battle of the Java Sea
Every year on 27 February, Ereveld Kembang Kuning in Surabaya hosts the commemoration of the Battle of the Java Sea, one of the most significant naval battles in the Pacific during the Second World War in Indonesia.
This ceremony, conducted in English, honours the memory of nearly 2,000 Allied sailors who lost their lives in 1942, including those aboard three Dutch naval ships: HNLMS De Ruyter, Java, and Kortenaer.
4 May — Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking)
Every year on 4 May, the Netherlands observes Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking) — a national day of reflection to honour civilians and military personnel who lost their lives in wars and peacekeeping missions since the start of the Second World War, both within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and abroad.
15 August — The Cessation of the Second World War in Asia
The 15th of August marks the Cessation of the Second World War in Asia. This commemoration, international in character and conducted in English, allows for wider participation across nations. The day not only serves as a moment of remembrance for those who suffered and died during the war, but also reflects a spirit of international reflection and unity.
Representatives from various countries, along with families of war victims and members of the public, gather to honour a shared and often painful history.
It is the largest annual commemoration held at the Netherlands war cemeteries in Indonesia, offering a space for collective remembrance across generations and national boundaries.
