Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A total of 272 Indonesian cultural artifacts have been returned to their homeland from the Netherlands, marking a significant milestone in ongoing repatriation efforts. This marks the fifth agreement in the ongoing repatriation process between Indonesia and Netherlands.
According to Detik, The handover ceremony took place at Indonesia’s National Museum on Monday December 16, officiated by the Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia, Marc Gerritsen, and Indonesia’s Minister of Culture (Kemdikbud), Fadli Zon.
Of the 272 artifacts, 204 were returned from the Netherlands, while an additional 68 items came from the collection of the Rotterdam Museum.
Among the returned artifacts, 204 belong to the Puputan Badung collection, which holds deep historical, spiritual, and artistic significance for Indonesia. The return symbolizes a journey of healing and reconciliation, bridging Indonesia’s past and present.
The process stems from a 2023 technical agreement on cultural repatriation between the two countries. Under the first batch, 472 artifacts were returned, including the Singasari Statue, the Keris Puputan Klungkung, Lombok Treasure, and Pita Maha artworks.
For the second batch in 2024, another 288 objects were repatriated, including the Singasari Statue and artifacts from the Puputan Badung and Tabanan wars. Earlier this year, in the initial shipment of batch two, 84 key artifacts such as the Bhairava Statue, Nandi, Ganesha, and Brahma were also returned.
With this latest handover, the total number of Indonesian cultural artifacts repatriated from the Netherlands has reached 828.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized the Indonesian government’s commitment to preserving and promoting the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
“This event highlights the deepening cultural partnership between our two countries while carrying forward the important responsibility to protect and reclaim our shared heritage,” Zon said on Tuesday.
288 Artifacts Returned to Indonesia after Sitting for a Long Time in The Amsterdam Museum
Fadli Zon also noted that the return of these cultural artifacts serves as a reminder of Indonesia’s collective responsibility not just to reclaim but also to preserve its heritage.
“Looking ahead, we hope to deepen collaboration with the Netherlands and other countries in the field of repatriation. I propose the establishment of a joint task force to oversee repatriation efforts, including artifact preservation, provenance research, logistics, exhibitions, and the ethical management of cultural heritage,” Zon concluded.
The repatriation efforts represent a growing acknowledgment of historical injustices and an opportunity for both nations to foster reconciliation and cultural cooperation.
(Raidi/Agung)
