Ben Arps awarded Indonesian Cultural Award 2025
Professor Ben Arps has been awarded the Indonesian Cultural Award (Anugerah Kebudayaan Indonesia) 2025.
The award was presented by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mayerfas, on behalf of the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, during a ceremony held on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in The Hague.
Professor Arps received the award in recognition of his lifelong scholarly contributions to the study, preservation, and international promotion of Indonesian culture, particularly Javanese language, literature, manuscripts, and performing arts.
The ceremony highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and the strong ties between Indonesia and the Netherlands, recognizing Leiden University as a leading centre for Indonesian Studies.
We congratulate Professor Arps on this remarkable honour and well-deserved recognition!