A long history of bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Netherlands was recorded in the minds of the two leaders of the countries from time to time. This certainly also applies to King Willem Alexander and President Joko Widodo.During his visit to Jakarta, King Willem expressed his apology on the violence the Dutch forces committed against Indonesia during the period from Indonesia's declaration of independence in 1945 until 1949, when the Netherlands recognized it as an independent nation

King Willem in a joint press conference at the Bogor Palace on Tuesday (10/3/2020) said, in the years after the proclamation was announced, a painful event occurred and resulted in many casualties. In fact, the King also said that his country recognized Indonesia's position as a politically and morally independent country. In response to this, President Joko Widodo also stated that the two countries could not erase past history, but can make it a lesson to build an equal relationship, mutual respect and mutual benefit.

"I want to say that we certainly cannot erase history, but we can learn from the past. We make this historical lesson to strengthen our commitment to build an equal relationship, mutual respect and mutual benefit," said Jokowi.

King Willem and Queen Maxima came to Indonesia with hundreds of businessmen and important ministers to discuss cooperation between the two countries. Both delegations agreed to strengthen economic cooperation and human resource development. (KBRN/11.3'20/mar/Pradipta/AHM)