Kochel van Stenwald serves as the Minister of State for the Republic of Shahalta, a small, isolated European city-state floating in the sky that recently transitioned from monarchy to republic. He operates within this new government structure as a key political figure. Van Stenwald was instrumental in the forces that overthrew the monarchy and established the republic. To commemorate this shift, he organizes a national treasure exhibition showcasing Shahalta's secret royal treasures, making this event a pivotal plot element. His actions drive significant conflict by colluding with a gang of air pirates to steal the treasures first, preempting Lupin III's heist attempt. This coordination implies his faction's alliance with criminal elements. Van Stenwald's objective centers on leveraging the treasures' material and symbolic value to consolidate power or wealth for the nascent republic.