Penelehhistory.com: Surabaya (1/8/24) – Opening a cooperation agreement between Surabaya and the Netherlands is not impossible and does not require a long process. Several important events involving both parties have occurred right before our eyes.
ICAS 13th Conference
The 13th ICAS Conference (International Convention for Asian Scholars), where the Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia appeared as a speaker, was held in Surabaya. A collaborative project between Surabaya and the Netherlands through the role of communities in both countries is also underway in Surabaya. The exhibition at the former De Javasche Bank, now the BI museum, was opened by Dutch Ambassador Lambert Grijns.
Meeting of Surabaya Mayor with Dutch Ambassador
The most important event was the meeting between the Mayor of Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi, and the Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia, Lambert Grijns, which also discussed the potential shared history between Surabaya and the Netherlands.
Similarities between Surabaya and Rotterdam
The legendary Kalimas river naturally flows in Surabaya, while the iconic De Maas river flows in Rotterdam. Modern architect HP Berlage wrote in his book “Mijn Indische Reis” (1923), updated in the new edition “Berlage di Nusantara” (2023), that Surabaya is the Rotterdam of Java. This is a fitting concept for the Surabaya – Rotterdam Sister City Cooperation.
Opportunities for Surabaya as Rotterdam’s Sister City
According to Max Meijer, director of TiMe Amsterdam, Surabaya could become Rotterdam’s Sister City. Max also reminded that to realize and develop a heritage project, tangible sources (buildings and sites) and intangible heritage (stories, local knowledge, traditional technology, local language, literature, and music) must be combined.
Surabaya Old Town Area
The city of Surabaya, with the Red Bridge area, has become the Old Town area, which in the European zone displays the architectural richness of colonial buildings. One of the monumental buildings, the work of architect Berlage, has also attracted the attention of Berlage activists in the Netherlands and Europe. The book “Berlage di Nusantara” was published to commemorate 100 years of Berlage’s presence in the Dutch East Indies (1923-2023).
Future Opportunities
The European Town area opens up many opportunities for Surabaya’s future based on history, cultural heritage, and tourism. Attention from individuals to European professionals, especially the Netherlands, is also increasing with the presence of Kota Lama and Peneleh as a Living Library project.
Future Collaboration
So, what are we waiting for to realize a mutually beneficial collaboration? With the collaboration accommodated in the Sister City Surabaya – Rotterdam program, there will be many opportunities for cooperation in the fields of education, heritage, history, culture, tourism, and education. (Nanang)
