Introduction

It is almost unnecessary to outline what the Netherlands has meant to the Emerald Belt. Especially here in the good Den Bosch, which was connected with many ties to the former Dutch East Indies, due to the exodus of its young people in the time after the war.

And still through its Mission Congregations, which past and present - thank God they still can - can continue to carry out their blessed work in the East.

The work of these Congregations cannot be measured and weighed in figures and statistics. I will try to highlight the work of the “Dutch” in Administration, Trade and especially in Cultures in a small facet of this.

In particular, by outlining how the Dutch have managed to create a flourishing culture from "nothing" and transfer it as a whole to those who currently hold power on these islands.

Many years ago I stood at one of the southernmost points of Java, about 300 meters above sea level, next to an Indonesian. We were both lost in thought, perhaps both struck by the wonderful spectacle of the Pacific Ocean, which rolls in - unbroken - in large waves from the South Pole and only breaks on the steep rocks of Java's south coast.

The Sand Bay, a jewel in pure blue and purple lay before us. He then began to tell an old legend that contained a prediction…. “One day the time will come when the sea will rise over the rocks, flood the land, and sweep away all who came from without, and all that they brought there.

Then a time of happiness will come”…. We will hope that this Indonesian is not the good sisters of J.M.J. Referred to.