The Indo Project Hall of Fame honors inductees and recipients of The Indo Project Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious award is presented to individuals or organizations (living or posthumously) who have made significant contributions to the Indo community, its heritage, culture, and legacy.

The award was established in 2023. Recipients are recognized for their dedication, impact, and lasting influence, celebrating the spirit and history of the Indo community. The award is presented annually during the Herdenkings- en Bevrijdingsbal in Los Angeles, where we come together to commemorate, celebrate, and honor these exceptional contributions.

René Creutzburg

Posthumous recipient of The Indo Project Lifetime Achievement Award (2023).

At the 15 August 1945 Commemoration and Liberation Ball 2023 in Buena Park, California, The Indo Project brought together members of the Indo community to remember the end of World War II in the former Dutch East Indies and to celebrate shared heritage and history. The event’s theme was “De Geest Overwint” (“The Spirit Overcomes”), symbolizing resilience and unity as generations gathered to honor those who lived through the war and its aftermath.  

A central highlight of the evening was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award given posthumously to René Creutzburg, a respected Southern California Indo who was honored for his decades of service to the community. Creutzburg founded and published De Indo magazine, a longstanding Dutch-language publication that connected Indos around the world for many years. He was also a key figure in De Soos, a social club for Indo Dutch immigrants in Southern California during the 1950s through the 1970s. His contributions helped preserve community connections, culture, and shared history among diaspora members.  

At the ceremony, his daughter, Marguerite Womack, accepted the award on his behalf and shared stories of his legacy, emphasizing unity as a core value — a message consistent with the mission of The Indo Project and the significance of the commemoration.

Watch the video below. Read more about this special event here.

Henny Neys

Recipient of The Indo Project Lifetime Achievement Award (2024).

This year, The Indo Project honored Henny Neys — Indo activist, community leader, humanitarian, and founder of the Alan Neys Memorial Fund — for her lifelong dedication to the unity and well-being of the Indo community.

After arriving in the United States with her husband, Alan Neys, and their young children, Henny devoted decades to serving Dutch immigrants of Indonesian descent. She served as president of the Netherlands Benevolent Society and founded the Netherlands American Cultural Heritage Organization (NACHO) to address the specific needs of the Indo diaspora.

Following the passing of her husband in 2000, Henny established the Alan Neys Memorial Fund to support elderly Dutch-Indonesians living in Indonesia — a cause close to Alan’s heart. She traveled annually to Indonesia to personally provide assistance and ensure that those often forgotten were not alone.

Affectionately known as “Mother Henny” and “Mother Hendrika,” she was beloved for her compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment. Her life’s work stood as a powerful testament to unity, service, and community.

Watch the video below. Read more about this special event here.

AVIO Dutch Club

Recipient of The Indo Project Lifetime Achievement Award (2025).

At the August 9th event, The Indo Project was proud to honor AVIO, the last active Dutch social club in Southern California, in recognition of its decades-long dedication to preserving Dutch-Indo culture, fostering community, and promoting enduring camaraderie.

The tribute took place during The Indo Project’s annual Commemoration and Liberation Ball — an evening devoted to remembrance, heritage, and unity. For generations, AVIO has served as a vital gathering place for the Dutch-Indo community, keeping traditions alive and strengthening bonds across families and friendships.

This recognition celebrated not only AVIO’s history, but its ongoing commitment to ensuring that Dutch-Indo culture continues to thrive in Southern California and beyond.

Watch the video below. Read more about this special event here.

Hetty Naaijkens – Retel Helmrich

Recipient of The Indo Project Lifetime Achievement Award (2026).

At the August 8th event, The Indo Project was proud to honor Hetty Naaijkens – Retel Helmrich, in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to preserving and sharing Indo heritage through film.

The tribute took place during The Indo Project’s annual 15 August 1945 Commemoration and Liberation Celebration, Awards Dinner & Dance — an event devoted to remembrance, heritage, and unity.

Watch the video below. Read more about this special event here.