Who are we?

From Students to a Thriving Community: The DeGromiest Journey

DeGromiest (De Groningen’s Indonesian Moslem Society) was established in 2000 by the initiative of Indonesian students living in Groningen. The idea was that Indonesians needed a community to support their culture, learning, gathering, worship, and other Islamic activities. Starting with only several students, DeGromiest has now become the most prominent Indonesian community in the northern Netherlands. More than 300 active members comprise students, diaspora, expatriates, and Indonesian descendants. Moreover, there has been a consistent annual increase in approximately 100 to 150 students choosing Groningen as their study destination, which continues to rise each year.

DeGromiest has been renting an existing hall or room for its activities or using our people’s house and moving from one place to another. This constant shifting has posed challenges in terms of logistics, continuity, and convenience, which need to be improved to meet the community’s growing needs. A permanent space will provide a dedicated and inclusive space for community gatherings, educational and cultural activities, and worship, contributing to the overall well-being of the Indonesian community in Groningen.

Starting in 2024, we officially registered our community as a foundation (stichting), Indonesisch Cultureel Centrum Groningen (ICCG). We will soon launch a fundraising project to purchase a permanent space to meet our community’s needs.

The Milestones