Floating Pasar

The Floating Pasar is a free family festival where we celebrate, share and pass on the Indian, Indonesian, Moluccan and Papuan culture. Expect a packed program with music, film, dance, art, photography, workshops, lectures, market stalls and of course lots of food.

You can celebrate freedom at Plein 1940 and the quay and inner harbour at the Maritime Museum.

August 15, 1945 was the day that the Second World War ended in Southeast Asia. Therefore, at 11:00 on August 15, commemoration will take place at the Dutch East Indies monument at the Boompjes. The liberation festival will start immediately afterwards.

On August 15, we commemorate the end of World War II in Southeast Asia. Immediately after the commemoration, the Floating Pasar starts in the harbor of the Maritime Museum and Plein 1940. At the Floating Pasar we celebrate freedom. Something that is still important to reflect on today, because not everyone lives in freedom.

About the program

On a giant floating stage in the inner harbour, bands, artists and DJs will perform all day long. You will also see dance performances and a Pencak Silat demonstration.

Stroll along the many market stalls with an Indian touch where you will find all kinds of handmade products and small entrepreneurs. Or have a bite and a drink in one of the many Indian and Moluccan food stalls.

The program also includes various workshops in which visitors are introduced to the Indian cultural heritage. Or learn how to conduct archival research into your own (family) past.

There is also plenty to do for the youngest children: in the Anak Anak studio, old Indian fairy tales are read aloud. And in the children's corner, they get to know the Indian culture through play and colouring.

In addition, two high-profile documentaries will be shown: Indië Verloren (2023) by In-Soo Radstake exposes how the Dutch government continues to control the narrative of the war of independence in Indonesia (1945-1949) to this day. And Nusa Ina (2023), a short film by Anne Jan Sijbrandij. Moluccan Loey Tamaëla, son of a prominent deceased KNIL soldier, tells how history has influenced his family. A ticket must be purchased for this part of the program.