Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Retno L.P. Marsudi and Minister for European Affairs and Development Cooperation, H.E. (Ben) Knapen officially opened the Pasar Malam Indonesia 2012, on 29 March 2012, Malieveld, The Hague, Netherlands.

Ribbon-cutting and Beating of Gong was done as a symbol starting the Pasar Malam Indonesia 2012. This is the 3rd Pasar Malam Indonesia, after being held on 2010 and 2011 consecutively.

In her remarks, H.E. Mrs. Retno L.P. Marsudi stated that Pasar Malam Indonesia is aimed not only for the old sake romantics between Indonesian and the Dutch, but more as means to strengthen bilateral relations between both countries. Pasar Malam Indonesia 2012 is an integrated promotional event that is intended to bring the nuance of "new Indonesia" to the Dutch community. Indonesia, as emphasized by H.E. Mrs. Retno L.P. Marsudi, has progressively been transforming, which of course should be viewed as a level counterpart and an opportunity to be capitalized particularly in the interaction of trade, investment, and tourism with the Netherlands. A moment of silent was also dedicated to the late Ambassador J.E. Habibie who just passed away on 12 March 2012. Ambassador J.E. Habibie initiated the first  Pasar Malam Indonesia in 2010.

At this occasion, H.E. Mr. Ben Knapen also delivered his appreciation upon Pasar Malam Indonesia 2012. Pasar Malam Indonesia 2012 has brought a new chapter in bilateral relations with Indonesia. It is not only a showcase of Indonesia’s diversity in art, culture and authentic culinary. It is also a display of Indonesia economic progress, showcasing Indonesia’s promotion on trade, tourism and investment. H.E. Mr. Ben Knapen also noted that the current cooperation of Indonesia and Netherlands is now being focused on the issues of food security and water management.

14 representatives of Indonesia’s Ministries and Local Government, consisting of; Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Ministry of  Cooperative Small and Medium Enterprise, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board, and several others Provincial Government such as; Bangka Belitung, Central Java, Jambi, Batam, West Java, Surabaya, Sabang, Bandung, Pekalongan, Ambon, and also Indonesia’s Flag Carrier Garuda Indonesia. A number of small and medium enterprises also present. At the sideline, there were also a Business Meeting with a topic of Indonesian Business Update – Indonesia Today: Business Opportunities in Indonesia.

As part of the campaign on “new Indonesia”, Pasar Malam Indonesia also showcases an architectural and design exhibition by Ikatan Arsitek Indonesia di Uni Eropa (Indonesian Architect Association – European Union), presenting 164 architectural display from Indonesia and film promotion pavilion.

The Opening Ceremony of Pasar Malam Indonesia was also attended by the Chairman of the Hoge Raad der Nederlanden (Supreme Court of the Netherlands), H.E. Mr. Geert Corstens, with several others Ambassadors of the foreign countries, as well as other Invited Guests. Pasar Malam Indonesia 2012 will be open for four days, from 29 March 2012 until 1 April 2012.