The story of…
Harimurti from Indonesia
Job title
Scientist Statistics
Working at
BASF Nunhems
Country of origin
Indonesia
In the Netherlands
August 2014-October 2016
May 2022-present
Favorite snack
‘Bitterballen’, ‘Bossche bollen’
Favorite Dutch words
‘Gezellig’, ‘Even kijken’
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Harimurti has already seen much of the world. Now the Netherlands is his home for the second time.
Why did you choose to come to the Netherlands?
In 2014, I came to the Netherlands. Until 2016, I studied at WUR to get my MSc degree. I came back in May 2022, when I got a job at KeyGene.
I have considered other countries in the EU. Nevertheless, I found Holland the most suitable because the administration system is quite clear due to the implementation of recent technologies. The Netherlands is also very international.
I also love biking, and the Netherlands has well-developed bike paths.
Did you suffer from culture shock?
No, I like the Holland directness myself. It is easier to communicate and understand. It is a big difference is with the homeland. Another big difference is that the Dutch respect the privacy of others.
Have you also worked in other countries?
Yes, I have worked in other countries, for example Sweden and Germany. For me, the pace of work in Sweden is more relaxed than in the Netherlands. In Germany, hierarchy is still common to some extent. In the Netherlands it is less hierarchical, but I like the pace of work.
” I like the Dutch directness.”
Before you came to the Netherlands, you may have had ideas about what your life would be like here. Did Holland meet your expectations?
Yes, I have family living in the Netherlands. So I was already familiar with how things work here. And besides, when I was in high school I received education that prepared me and ensured that I would get used to the Dutch educational and work culture.
What have you worked on (or are still working on) to feel at home here?
Learning the Dutch language helps me learn about the culture and how people think.
The Netherlands has a housing crisis. Was it difficult to find a house?
This is the downside of the housing crisis in the Netherlands (but also in other EU countries). Dealing with this issue is not easy. It was quite difficult to find a house. I asked questions about this to Dutch colleagues and the expat center. Having Dutch peers is also key to finding a home, as networking can provide benefits, such as a priority list.
With everything you know now, would you choose Holland again?
Yes.
Do you have any tips or advice for others going to work in the Netherlands?
Be open-minded, critical, direct, persistent and efficient.
In conclusion, can you share with us a few “words of wisdom” in Malay?
“Kamu harus tau jalan masuk dan jalan keluar akan sesuatu agar tidak tersesat.”
You have to know your way in and out of everything. So that you don’t get lost.
Harimurti Buntaran
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