Erasmus Huis

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Erasmus Huis is the cultural center of the Netherlands in Jakarta. It is the only Dutch cultural center abroad and is esteemed for its vibrant, youthful and accessible ambiance.

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Erasmus Huis, photo by Oxalis Atindriyaratri
Erasmus Huis is home to both Dutch and Indonesian art and culture. Many Indonesian artists perform each year in the auditorium and collaborate with Dutch artists. That's because The Netherlands deeply believe in our relationship with Indonesia, but also because we firmly believe in inclusivity. We welcome the exchange of knowledge, experiences and ideas. We are a meeting place for everybody, regardless of age, gender, religion, skin colour or sexual preference. All are welcome and all of the events in the Erasmus Huis are free of charge.


 

Erasmus Huis serves as the main cultural institution of the Netherlands in Jakarta, featuring a diverse range of performing arts programs, exhibitions, and discussions. It is a dynamic platform for Dutch artists to showcase their work and collaborate with Indonesian counterparts. This collaboration stems from the Netherlands' strong ties to Indonesia and commitment to inclusivity. Erasmus Huis actively encourages the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and ideas, positioning itself as a meeting place for all individuals. The Erasmus Huis hosts all of its events for free, emphasizing accessibility for a variety of experiences.

Erasmus Huis, as part of the Dutch Embassy in Jakarta, also acts as a liaison for promoting the Netherlands' cultural policy and other priority topics. This includes the creative economy and covers issues such as sustainability, circular economy, diversity and inclusivity.

The Building

Situated next to the Dutch Embassy in Jakarta, the Erasmus Huis building provides a flexible and light environment, featuring an inspiring library, a dynamic exhibition hall, and a spacious auditorium. Established in 1970 and relocated in 1981, the Erasmus Huis was extensively renovated in 2018 to reflect the broader transformation process of the Embassy, emphasizing openness, transparency and accountability.

Mission

Company New Heroes (NL) and Playo (ID) at the opening of Building with Nature Exhibition
Dancers perform Tjampoer, a collaboration between Danstheater AYA (NL) and Maharani Dance (ID)
In 2020, Erasmus Huis celebrated its 50th anniversary as the Dutch cultural center in Jakarta. Its enduring strength is rooted in the extensive four-century relationship between the Netherlands and Indonesia, with cultural cooperation representing a crucial aspect of Dutch cultural policy in Indonesia.

The ongoing success of Erasmus Huis is proof of its dynamic evolution, and today it stands as an innovative, welcoming space, ready for the future - a place where knowledge and ideas seamlessly flow in the spirit of cultural exchange.

Read more about the story of Erasmus Huis here.

The building

The Erasmus Huis is a flexible and light building neighboring the Dutch embassy. We offer our guests a multi-disciplinary experience with an inspiring library, flexible exhibition hall and a spacious auditorium. 

The current center was opened in 1981. In this new environment the foundations were laid for the present programming. In 2018, the building was extensively renovated. The original Erasmus Huis was established in 1970.

In 2020, the Erasmus Huis celebrated it's 50th year of being the Dutch-Indonesian cultural center in Jakarta. Although the (cultural) relations between both countries are much older, they are very much alive today and will be for many years to come.


 

Mission and history

The Erasmus Huis has for the past 50 years been the Dutch cultural center in Jakarta and is still very much alive today. That's because the Netherlands and Indonesia have been connected for about 4 centuries, and many Indonesian people are interested in The Netherlands. Also, cultural co-operation between the two countries is an important part of the Dutch cultural policy in Indonesia.

With this in mind the Erasmus Huis was established in 1970. At first the center 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 center was opened, neighboring the Dutch embassy. In this new environment the foundations were laid for the present Erasmus Huis programme.

In 2018 the Erasmus Huis was renovated again. This renovation reflected the broader transformation process of the embassy: more open, transparent and accountable. The Erasmus Huis is now an innovative place that is flexible, light and inspiring. A place to welcome the exchange of knowledge and ideas. A place that is ready for the future.