1-9-2023 (JAKARTA) In a significant cultural repatriation effort, the Netherlands officially returned 472 cultural artifacts to Indonesia on July 10, 2023. This move follows the Indonesian government’s request to recover historical objects that were looted by the Netherlands during the Dutch colonial period.
The handover ceremony took place at the Museum Volkenkunde in Leiden, the Netherlands, with Hilmar Farid, the director-general of culture at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), representing Indonesia.
The repatriation initiative, which commenced two years ago, was led by I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, the head of Indonesia’s collection repatriation team. Collaborating closely with the committee for the repatriation of Dutch colonial objects, led by Lilian Gonçalves-Ho Kang You, positive and productive communication facilitated the return of these historic objects.
The repatriated artifacts, which had been held in the Netherlands for three centuries, consist of four distinct collections:
- A Puputan Klungkung Keris from the Kingdom of Klungkung, Bali.
- Four statues from the Singasari Kingdom era.
- 132 art objects from the Pita Maha Bali collection.
- 335 looted treasures from the 1894 Lombok Expedition.
The four statues from the Singasari Kingdom era, representing gods and goddesses from Hindu mythology (Durga, Mahakala, Nandishvara, and Ganesha), are notable masterpieces dating back to the 13th century AD. They will soon be displayed at the Indonesia National Museum as part of the initial stage of their return.
The National Museum is currently preparing for an exhibition to showcase the Singasari statues, along with the repatriated Prajnaparamita statue, which has been in the museum’s possession since 1975. This exhibition is expected to debut in October this year, becoming a permanent feature.
The repatriation of these artifacts is more than a mere homecoming; it signifies an opportunity to reconnect with Indonesia’s lost heritage, educate the public about the nation’s history and culture, and foster cultural understanding between nations. Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Anwar Makarim, emphasizes the importance of returning these historical and cultural objects to inspire nationalism and promote knowledge.
Visitors to the National Museum, such as Niti Darmika from Bali and Dewanti Dyah Ayu Rengganis from Kalimantan, have expressed their approval of the artifacts’ return. They believe that the exhibition of these repatriated objects will increase awareness of Indonesian history and culture while strengthening the bond between Indonesia and the Netherlands.
The return of these historic and cultural artifacts marks a significant step in addressing historical injustices and highlights the role of artifacts in preserving cultural heritage and fostering diplomacy between nations.
