Alongside Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry, KfW German Development Bank, and WCS Indonesia, we witnessed firsthand a community-based conservation program running since 2019. Highlights from the visit:

Thursday, July 16: Bangka Island
We met with fishermen to explore how marine protection can support sustainable local livelihoods, and reviewed the impact of coral reef monitoring. The day concluded with a dinner with the Vice Regent and representatives of Bolaang Mongondow Timur to discuss agriculture, mining, and tourism.

Friday, July 17: Tomohon City
Joined by our new Honorary Consul Osco Letunggamu, Adriaan Palm was welcomed by the Mayor ahead of the Tomohon International Flower Festival. The day included visits to Sion Church, St. Clara School, Universitas Kristen Indonesia Tomohon, Gunung Maria Hospital, PERTAMINA Geothermal, and the Masarang Sugar Factory, a reminder that sustainable development spans health, education, energy, and local business. The visit closed with a courtesy call on the Governor alongside EU Ambassadors.

Key conservation achievements:

• 9 marine protected areas established, covering 781,000+ hectares across North Sulawesi and North Maluku
• 14,000+ ha of coral reefs, ~6,000 ha of mangroves, and 5,000 ha of seagrass beds protected
• 29 Community Surveillance Groups and 19 coastal communities building conservation-based livelihoods

Bilateral visit takeaways:

• New opportunities identified for Dutch-Indonesian cooperation at the local level
• Rich Indonesian-Dutch heritage ties highlighted
• The vital role of youth in sustainable development emphasized

A heartfelt thank you to all partners and local communities for your warm hospitality!