Who we do?

At the Netherlands War Graves Foundation, our commitment extends beyond mere maintenance; we engage in a multifaceted mission aimed at preserving history, honouring memory, and facilitating connection.

Our five main tasks are: 

  1. Maintenance of War Cemeteries: We are dedicated to the meticulous upkeep of 7 war cemeteries across Java. This involves not only the physical maintenance of the grounds and graves but also ensuring that these sacred sites remain fitting tributes to the individuals they commemorate.
  2. Facilitating Visits for Families: Recognizing the importance of personal connections to these hallowed grounds, we assist families from the Netherlands in visiting the war cemeteries through pilgrimage programs. We work together with the Netherlands’ team, travel agents and provide on-site support, to ensure these poignant reunions with loved ones possible.
  3. Providing Information: We are committed to offering insights and knowledge about the war cemeteries and the individuals who rest there. Our aim is to foster a deeper understanding and connection with the past, allowing visitors alike to learn about the rich histories, personal stories and what memorial represents.
  4. Necrological Research: Our commitment to remembrance extends into detailed historical and genealogical research. By uncovering the stories behind the names, we bring to light the personal histories that enrich our collective memory.
  5. Arranging Flower Laying: We organise the laying of flowers on war graves and at memorial stones of war victims maintained by the foundation. This act of remembrance is a symbolic gesture that conveys respect and honours the sacrifices made by the individuals commemorated at these sites.