Dutch envoy bids farewell to Yogyakarta Sultan

Antara News, Friday, June 25, 2010 18:34 WIB

Yogyakarta (ANTARA News) - Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia Nikolaos van Dam bade farewell to Yogyakarta Sultan Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X here Friday.

"During the five years, there were good times and not-so-good ones but the Netherlands was always a good friend of Indonesia," Nikolaos van Dam, who has filled his ambassadorial post here since 2005 until August 1, 2010, said when saying goodbye to the Sultan.

He said the Dutch government and people had provided assistance, including to victims of a powerful earthquake which devastated Yogyakarta a few years ago through the Java Reconstruction Fund, or directly to the government.

"We provided assistance to the earthquake victims in Yogyakarta, among other things for reconstruction of school buildings and rehabilitation of old houses," he said.

The Sultan confirmed that the Dutch government, non-governmental organizations, foundations and people had helped the disaster`s victims and given assistance to Dr Sardjito Hospital.

"We are grateful to the Dutch government and people for helping the victims of earthquake in Yogyakrata," the Sultan said.

On the occasion, the Sultan presented a batik shirt to the outgoing Ambassador Nikolaos.

The magnitude-5.9 earthquake which hit Yogyakarta in May 2006 killed more than 5,000 people.