History

Cultural co-operation with Indonesia has a high priority in Netherlands cultural policy. Understandably because of the historical ties between the Netherlands and Indonesia and the commitment that the Netherlands share with Indonesia with respect to the preservation of our mutual cultural heritage. At the same time Indonesia presents a source of inspiration to many young artists and groups in the Netherlands. There is a substantial exchange of artists and groups.

Against this backdrop the Erasmus Huis was established in 1970. At first the centre - opened by Prince Bernhard - was located on the Jalan Menteng Raya 25. But soon it became clear that a larger building was needed to accommodate all the activities.

In 1981 the current centre was opened in the business district Kuningan on the Jalan Rasuna Said. In this new environment the foundations were laid for the present programme which is put together in close co-operation with a number of cultural organisations in Jakarta and which has made the Erasmus Huis into an important centre for the cultural climate in Jakarta and outside.