South Sulawesi-The Netherlands Education Cooperation

TEMPO Interactive, Makassar:The Dutch government will explore the possibility of an educational cooperative program with the South Sulawesi Government. The Netherlands feels that they have similar cultural, legal and historical aspects to make it possible.

The Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia, Tjeerd De Zwaan, said that the aim of his visit to South Sulawesi was to get closer to the people. It will be followed with a cooperative program. “Maybe cooperation in education and then in other sectors,” said Tjeerd after meeting South Sulawesi Governor, Syahrul Yasin Limpo, at the Governor’s residence last Sunday.


There will be further discussion between the Dutch Government and the South Sulawesi government. “I hope we can return soon to follow-up on this meeting and we thank the governor for having received us warmly,” said Tjeerd.

Tjeerd cited as one example of the collaboration, the Fort Rotterdam revitalization plan. According to Tjeerd, he would discuss it with the new Rotterdam mayor. “We will coordinate with the mayor on that matter,” he said.

South Sulawesi Governor, Syahrul Yasin Limpo, welcomed the Dutch government’s plan. He said that in addition to having a similar culture, law and history, some Dutch relics in South Sulawesi are well preserved. “I am ready to send scholars to the Netherlands, depending on their (The Netherlands) capacity, and we are ready to receive Dutch students in South Sulawesi,” he said.


SYAMSULMARLIN