Wali Nanggroe Receives Visit from Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Discusses Strengthening Strategic Cooperation in Aceh
The Wali Nanggroe Aceh Governor, His Excellency Tgk. Malik Mahmud Al Haythar, received a visit from the Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Indonesia, Adriaan Palm, in Meuligoe Wali Nanggroe, Banda Aceh, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Head of Cooperation and Public Relations for Wali Nanggroe Aceh, Zulfikar Idris, stated that the meeting discussed strengthening Dutch-Indonesian cooperation in Aceh, particularly in the areas of sustainable development, disaster management, environmental management, investment, education, and regional economic development.
During the meeting, both parties affirmed their commitment to strengthening a long-term partnership built on mutual respect, historical learning, and shared interests for a more advanced and sustainable future for Aceh.
The Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands stated that his visit to Aceh aimed to observe firsthand the developments in Aceh and to discuss opportunities for future cooperation with Wali Nanggroe Aceh.
"I came from Jakarta today to meet with the Wali Nanggroe (National Guardian) and discuss developments in Aceh, looking at it from a historical and future perspective. We want to discuss what we can do together and how we can build cooperation in Aceh with the Acehnese people to ensure the development we hope for can be realized," said Adriaan.
He explained that the Dutch government had previously been involved in flood management in Aceh through the Dutch Relief Alliance and various local organizations. However, he believes this cooperation needs to be expanded to the long-term recovery and development phase.
"As the Dutch government, we have been involved in flood management through the Dutch Relief Alliance and local organizations. But now it's time to move to the next phase: recovery and rebuilding," he said.
He believes Aceh has great potential for development through cross-sectoral cooperation, from agriculture to environmental management and water governance.
"What are the opportunities for developing the agricultural sector? How can we ensure better water management? And most importantly, how can we help the people of Aceh and the Netherlands grow and develop together?"
He also emphasized the importance of culture as a key part of building relations between Aceh and the Netherlands.
"Furthermore, of course, culture also plays a very important role, especially in Aceh," he added.
Meanwhile, the Wali Nanggroe Aceh stated that the meeting discussed various opportunities for strategic cooperation between Aceh and the Netherlands in the future.
"We discussed extensively how Aceh and the Netherlands can collaborate, especially in various development sectors that benefit the community," said the Wali Nanggroe, who was accompanied by Special Staff Dr. Muhammad Raviq.
During the discussion, the Wali Nanggroe and the Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands also reflected on the long history of relations between Aceh and the Netherlands, including the post-tsunami experience of 2004, which became a crucial momentum for humanitarian and reconstruction cooperation in Aceh.
As a follow-up, the Dutch delegation is scheduled to visit several disaster-affected areas in Aceh to assess needs on the ground and identify opportunities for further cooperation.[]
