CHARMING CLINGENDAEL: BATIK IN THE NETHERLANDS

Oost West Thuis Best

(East West, Our Own House is the Best) 

Anonymous - Dutch Classic Quote

            

            The Netherlands' Institute of International Relations is located inside the Clingendael's House. This is why the Institute is well known as Clingendael Institute. The Institute is one of the most esteemed think-tank and academies in the world that addresses diplomacy and relations between States. 

            In 2004, after the completion of Junior Diplomatic Course in Jakarta, I experienced my first trip to Clingendael. My colleagues and I spent 2.5 months as students in this education establishment learning from the experts of international relations and global affairs. 

            Fifteen years fast forward -feels like in a blink of an eye but in fact it's been quite a ride-, I am deeply grateful to return to this Institute. Participating in the Senior Diplomatic Course, the duration is only 2 weeks, far shorter than the junior programme. Yet, within this short period of time, participants are required to not only actively attend the class but also to propose scenario, deliver interventions and other do-able policy recommendations in workshops. 

            My colleagues and I gained lots of new diplomacy techniques in Clingendael. This what makes the Institute special. Classes in Clingendael -regardless of the long hours- are designed to be interactive. Therefore, the classes are thoroughly interesting, also largely due to the current trends of international relations as well as engaging and seasoned lecturers who are committed to deliver best presentations. From retired General to international reporter, all speakers in the class are experts in their respected fields. 

            Other prevailing reason which makes study in Clingendael seems so irresistible, in my opinion, would be due to the lovely location that the institute is endowed with. Nestled within one of the great parks in The Hague, the parks (Japanese and European are located side by side) and its surroundings are feast to our eyes. Not to mention the inhabitants inside the small farm within the park, there are some horses and cows. 

            The course took place in the last week of July and early week of August so it was Summer in Europe. Full bloomed hydrangeas are abundant, from fuschia to white, from violet to baby blue, the radiant colorful flowers would attract our eyes. Albeit of the short lunch break, my colleagues and I would take time to walk in the park. 

            Glorious sunny days, sun-kissed flowers, green park, emerald-colored lake, pristine white mansion, it was as if all these elements were calling for that epic textile from Indonesia, namely Batik. 

            To wear Batik attire in the Netherlands during Summer, against the stunning backdrop of Clingendael Institute is one good way to promote our Indonesian culture. 

            

Catatan Singkat untuk Rekans Diplomat dan Sahabat Batik/Wastra

Saat sedang menghadiri pelatihan atau kursus di luar negeri, jangan lupa mengenakan Batik atau kain tradisional Indonesia lainnya seperti Ikat, Tenun, Songket. Pada musim panas, kenakan busana Batik yang terbuat dari katun. Pengalaman saya saat memakai kemeja dan dasi Batik pada pelatihan di Institut Clingendael meyakinkan saya bahwa Batik sangat dikenal sebagai ikon budaya Tanah Air. 

Jangan ragu mengenakan busana dari kain kebanggaan kita kapan saja dan dimana saja. Wear Indonesian designed outfits proudly and gracefully, especially when we are attending international events, as they represent not only our culture, remarkable heritage and ancestors but they also represent us, Indonesians in the 21st century.

Mr Ron Ton, Director for Clingendael Academy, welcoming Indonesia's Senior Diplomats on the first day of the course. 

JET was dressed in a dark colored suit completed with an Indonesian touch, namely the Batik Jember tie. 

Goeiemorgen uit Clingendael

Good morning from Clingendael

Selamat pagi dari Clingendael

The negotiation class, one of the most highlighted classes in Clingendael Institute.

The regal hydrangeas bloomed in the Clingendael park.

The pond located on the park of Clingendael.

The charming Clingendael backdrop.

Developments in International Security class, presented by Major General (Ret'd) Mr Frank van Kappen, Senator, Royal Netherlands Marine Corps. 

Vredespaleis

The Peace Palace: International Court of Justice.

Heel moie Scheveningen.

Very pretty Scheveningen.

From the rooftop of the Foreign Ministry of The Royal Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Royal Kingdom of Netherlands, received by Ms Annemarie Litjens, the Coordinator for Media in the Ministry.

With H.E. Mr I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Royal Kingdom of Netherlands

H.E. Mr I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, Indonesia's Ambassador to the Netherlands, and Madam Rusdijana Puja with my parents and JET

With Madam Rusdijana Puja, the spouse of Indonesia's Ambassador to the Royal Kingdom of Netherlands, at the elegant veranda of Wisma Duta (Official Residence of Indonesian Ambassador in Wassenaar, The Netherlands). 

Look at the beautiful flowers that are planted by Madam Puja. 

So happy to learn that Indonesian Embassy to the Netherlands has held a Nederlandse Batik Design Competition in 2012, during the tenure of then Ambassador H.E. Mrs Retno LP Marsudi, now serving as Foreign Minister of Indonesia. Way to go, Ibu Menlu!

The last class with Mr Nils de Mooij, Coordinator for Indonesia's Senior Diplomatic Course.

Each participant of the course is thoroughly committed to take part and contribute their best in all classes.

The closing ceremony. 

H.E. Mr I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, Indonesia's Ambassador to the Netherlands, with the representative of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and Clingendael Institute and the participants.

Beautiful Batik, Michelle!

Meet the smart and lovely Ms Michelle Reijngoud who has been assisting participants of Indonesia's Senior Diplomatic Course

Grazie, Alessandra!

Meet Ms Alessandra Ricci, Training Fellow and Course Coordinator at Clingendael Institute who has been facilitating the course for Indonesia's Senior Diplomats. 

With Ambassador Puja and Mr Max Valstar, Head of the South Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania division at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This is for you two, beloved parents. 

So thankful that my Mom and Dad were able to join and witness the closing ceremony of this Senior Diplomatic Course. 

The way we were in 2004 when JET attended the Junior Diplomatic Course in Clingendael Institute.

Dank u wel, Clingendael Institute, Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken and Kementerian Luar Negeri Republik Indonesia, for this unforgettable Senior Diplomatic course. 

Let's go back to Indonesia and work, work, work!

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