Nuffic’s office in Jakarta 30 years: a milestone worth celebrating!

This year marks a remarkable milestone for the Nuffic office in Jakarta, celebrating its 30th anniversary.

What began in 1996 as the Netherlands Education Centre (NEC) – the predecessor of what would later be known as Nuffic Neso – was initially focused on promoting Dutch higher education to Indonesian students. Over three decades it has evolved into Nuffic Southeast Asia (SEA): a dynamic regional hub connecting knowledge institutions, governments, and companies in the Netherlands, Europe and Southeast Asia to build sustainable knowledge infrastructures.

On the occasion of this anniversary, this article reflects on the exciting journey undertaken, along with an appreciation for the people and partnerships that have shaped the organization into what it is today.

Three decades of growth and transformation

Following the establishment of the NEC, another major milestone came with the launch of the StuNed scholarship programme by the Dutch government for Indonesian professionals, managed by the NEC office in Jakarta. This programme resulted in an impressive alumni network of 5.004 Indonesians, many of whom now hold key positions in both public and private sector. Their continued engagement makes them invaluable for Nuffic SEA’s work in the region.

In 2007 the office was renamed to Nuffic Neso Indonesia, during which it also contributed to regional initiatives such as the EU-SHARE programme, advancing higher education cooperation, mobility, and system alignment across ASEAN. In 2024, it expanded its scope under the name Nuffic Southeast Asia. This marked the transition from a country office to a regional hub, strengthening its role as a strategic engine for Nuffic, the Netherlands, and Europe – ASEAN. In Indonesia, initiatives such as the annual Week of Indonesia Netherlands Education and Research (WINNER) and NL Knowledge House connect Dutch knowledge institutions, government and industry to local opportunities, fostering expertise, talent development, innovation and partnerships across the country, while contributing to broader regional engagement.

The strategic relevance of the Nuffic office in Jakarta doesn’t go unnoticed by its stakeholders in the region, as reflected by Yvonne Klerks, Education and Science Counsellor, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jakarta:

“The Nuffic office in Jakarta has been a beacon in Indonesia for Dutch higher education for many years. For the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jakarta, the Nuffic Southeast Asia office continues to be a pivotal partner in achieving impact and concrete results in the collaboration in higher education and science between Indonesia and the Netherlands”

Anchored in one of the world’s most dynamic regions

Nuffic SEA’s growth is closely tied to the dynamic region it operates in. Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most rapidly developing regions – economically, demographically and technologically. It is becoming a strategic hub for talent, innovation and technological advancement. Southeast Asia plays a key role in global value chains in sectors directly relevant to the Netherlands such as semiconductors and high-tech, water management and climate adaptation, agri-food and sustainable food production, and digital innovation.

These developments have made Nuffic SEA a key partner for public and private stakeholders working to develop international knowledge networks, talent flows and innovation partnerships. Today, the office in Jakarta manages a portfolio of more than 20 active projects and has an annual project turnover of approximately EUR 2.5 million, supported by partnerships with the private sector, public funding from the Netherlands, and participation in large European Union-funded programs, including initiatives such as SCOPE-HE focused on strengthening higher education and TVET cooperation including capacity building in ASEAN.

At the heart of Nuffic SEA’s story: the people

From a team of 18 colleagues in the early years to 25 dedicated professionals today, Nuffic SEA’s strength lies in the diversity of expertise, backgrounds, and perspectives within our office. Some colleagues have witnessed the organization’s evolution firsthand over many years. Others joined more recently, bringing fresh ideas and new energy. And a few teammates are even younger than the office itself – a testament to the continuous development of the organization. Inty Dienasari, Communication Manager of SCOPE-HE, reflected on this, saying:

“What has kept me here for so long is the dynamic nature of the work – there is always something new to learn. I never feel like I'm stuck in one place; the work keeps moving forward, and so do I. Over the years, I have seen the office grow from promoting study opportunities in the Netherlands to building long-term knowledge partnerships across Southeast Asia. Today, programmes such as SCOPE-HE reflect this shift, focusing on collaboration between institutions, governments and industry to strengthen higher education, research, and TVET cooperation in the region”

Together, Nuffic SEA is formed by a passionate, international team committed to building bridges between the Netherlands, Europe, and Southeast Asia – supported strategically by Nuffic headquarters in The Hague.

Looking ahead

Celebrating 30 years is not just about reflecting on the past – it is about shaping the future. With a solid foundation, a growing regional network, and a passionate team, Nuffic SEA is excited for what the future holds and ready for the next chapter.

Nuffic SEA remains dedicated to building knowledge partnerships, creating opportunities, and contributing to a more connected, innovative, and sustainable world.

Here’s to the next chapter!

A full overview of Nuffic SEA’s current collaborations can be found here and meet the people behind these collaborations here: Meet the Team | Nuffic