Tong Tong Fair

The fair was raised every summer on its dedicated fairground, called the ‘Malieveld’, close to the central train station of The Hague.

Its continued success in attracting visitors of all generations and presenting a diverse and progressive programme, while preserving the centuries-old cultural ties with the Indonesian Archipelago has gone beyond their expectations.

It was here that for instance the Royal princesses of Solo, daughters of Pakubuwono XII, performed the exclusive Serimpi dances in 1985.

It was the first time in history that members of the Surakarta nobility performed these dances outside the Kraton (Royal Palace) of Solo.

[2] It combines flamboyant showmanship and musical virtuoso, based on the American Rock and Roll idiom and has been played by Indo bands ever since the early fifties.

The classic Rijsttafel (a Dutch word meaning `Rice-table’) is a prime example of a Eurasian culinary concept that was not prevalent in pre-colonial Indonesia.

The market stalls sell fresh Asian fruit such as durian or manggis and snacks such as martabak or pisang goreng.

Notwithstanding the great number of visitors the festival attracts to this day, the greatest challenge facing it is formulating a clear vision for the future and strong strategy towards achieving its cultural mission.

[5][6] Other modern challenges concern its potential online and multi-lingual role in social media as well as their ability to professionally register the many unique cultural activities and performances hosted.