Dutch queen observes Brunei culture

VISITING Dutch monarch Her Majesty Queen Beatrix Wilhemina Armgard yesterday became the first official visitor to a joint museum exhibition here showcasing the "shared heritage" of Brunei Darussalam and the Netherlands.

Both countries also signed an agreement to increase cultural cooperation.

The first distinguished guests to the "Borneo cultures in Brunei and Dutch collections" exhibition at the Brunei Museum on Jalan Kota Batu also included His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah; His Royal Highness Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, the Prince of Orange; and Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima, who are accompanying the Dutch monarch on her inaugural state visit here.

The exhibition, which showcased nearly 60 items, was the result of the collaboration between the Brunei Museums Department and the Tropenmuseum of the Netherlands. The exhibits include photographs and maps from the Amsterdam museum and rare books and other artefacts under the Brunei Museums' collection.

"From start to finish, the exhibition 'Borneo Cultures in Brunei and Dutch Collections' was collaboratively developed by staff of both museums, presenting a true dialogue, both literally and figuratively," a statement from the Tropenmuseum said, highlighting that even the texts used in the exhibition were jointly written.

Among the exhibits featured were photographs and artefacts from the lives of indigenous groups native to Borneo and Brunei.

"Following this exhibition, the Brunei Museum and the Tropenmuseum will be embarking upon a multi-year collaboration to exchange museum-related archaeological and cultural-historical knowledge and experience, and to develop new activities," the Dutch museum said, referring to the agreement signed yesterday.

The signing of the memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation between the two museums was witnessed by Her Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses at the Brunei Museum.

Director of Museums Department Bantong Antaran signed on behalf of the Brunei government, while Tropenmuseum director Peter Verdaasdonk signed on behalf of the Dutch museum.

"In the long run, this MoU will strengthen the relations in promoting and encouraging joint cooperation in the area of museums, archive and history based on equality and mutual benefit through the exchange of views and experts," a statement from the Brunei Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports said.

"This MoU is also hoped to further strengthen the strong bilateral relations between the countries," it added.

According to the Museums Department, the exhibition will be open to the public for two weeks, starting yesterday, during the Brunei Museum's operating hours.

During the monarch's visit to the museum yesterday afternoon, Her Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses also attended a "closed-door" consultation, which included Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah; Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Mohammad Yasmin Hj Umar; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng; and Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office cum Chairman of the Brunei Economic Development Board Dato Paduka Hj Ali Hj Apong, among others.

Following the visit to the Brunei Museum, Her Majesty and the Dutch delegation also visited attractions in Kampong Ayer, Brunei's iconic water village in the capital.

Upon arrival at the residence of the Penghulu of Mukim Tamoi, Pengarah Hj Mokti Md Salleh, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix and the royal entourage were welcomed with a hadrah performance and musicians performing traditional music.

Her Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses then witnessed a traditional performance before being welcomed inside the penghulu's residence.

After touring the residence and inspecting some local handicrafts and kueh (cakes), Her Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses toured the water village.The Brunei Times