Monday’s visit marked the third time Rutte has been to the country after official visits in 2013 and 2016 and came after a recent ruling by an appeals court in The Hague that lifted the statute of limitations on alleged executions by Dutch soldiers during the Indonesian struggle for independence.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Jokowi said the Netherlands was one of Indonesia’s key European partners, adding that he had also used the meeting to voice concerns about the European Union’s policy on palm oil.

“In terms of trade, we agreed to continue to improve open and fair trade. In this context, I again conveyed Indonesia’s concerns about the European Union’s policy on palm oil,” Jokowi said, adding that he also appreciated a recently signed agreement between Indonesia and the Netherlands in New York, the United States, which would further support palm oil smallholders carry out sustainable production practices.

Rutte, meanwhile, said the two countries had agreed to step up their cooperation in strategic areas such as health care, water management and higher education, adding that there were many potential areas in which Jakarta and Amsterdam could deepen their ties.

“There are many more areas where we have real potential, like climate action and waste management,” said Rutte. “I hope that together, we can seize – and we will seize – this opportunity.”

The Netherlands was Indonesia’s second-largest European partner, with total trade between the two countries recorded at US$5.14 billion last year, according to Trade Ministry data. The country was also Indonesia’s top European investors, with realized investments booked at $ 943.12 million last year, Investment Coordinating Boards (BKPM) data showed.

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