JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) – Recently repatriated artifacts, including centuries-old stone Buddha statues and precious jewelry, are now on display at Indonesia's National Museum. This exhibition provides a remarkable insight into the country's rich heritage, which the Indonesian government has sought to reclaim over the years. The collection is part of more than 800 artifacts returned under a Repatriation Agreement signed in 2022 between Indonesia and the Netherlands, according to Gunawan, the museum's head of cultural heritage. These artifacts were not only looted during conflicts but were also seized by scientists, missionaries, or smuggled by mercenaries during four centuries of colonial rule.
Shaloom Azura, a visitor at the museum in Jakarta, expressed her amazement at the array of artifacts. She emphasized the desire for more historical objects to be repatriated so that Indonesians do not have to travel to the Netherlands to view their cultural heritage. The inspiration for the agreement stems from a global trend of restitution and repatriation aimed at recovering cultural heritage lost during colonial times.
In a similar vein, France announced in 2021 that it would return statues, royal thrones, and sacred altars taken from Benin, while Belgium returned a gold-capped tooth belonging to the Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba. In 2023, Cambodia welcomed the return of priceless stolen artifacts taken during its periods of war and instability. Notably, many items have been repatriated from the United States, including hundreds of human skulls from former German colonies in East Africa, as reported by Berlin museum authorities.
The Dutch government made known in 2022 its decision to return Indonesian treasures along with looted artifacts from Sri Lanka. It took many years of negotiation, starting from Indonesia’s independence in August 1945, before Indonesia formally requested the return of specific cultural objects in July 2022. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, former Indonesian ambassador to the Netherlands who led the repatriation efforts, noted that this repatriation is crucial for reconstructing historical narratives that might have been obscured or manipulated over the years. He stressed the importance of filling in the historical gaps that have affected Indonesia’s path.
Historically, the Dutch government had previously returned significant items, such as the 13th-century statue of princess Pradnya Paramita from the Singhasari Kingdom and artifacts related to the national hero Prince Diponegoro, including a saddle and spear in the 1970s and a gold-plated kris dagger in 2020. One notable item still pending return is the "Java Man," the first known example of Homo erectus, collected by Dutch paleoanthropologist Eugene Dubois in the 19th century. Puja emphasized that the key significance of the recent repatriation focuses on knowledge creation, aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Indonesia's history.
Despite the achievements in repatriation, the Dutch ambassador to Indonesia, Marc Gerritsen, stated that the process would not involve emptying European museums but would focus on cultural objects specifically requested. He acknowledged the significant interest the Dutch public has in Indonesian history and culture, indicating that displaying these artifacts in Dutch museums garners public attention and appreciation. While he expressed awareness of the uncomfortable elements of colonial history, Gerritsen conveyed gratitude for Indonesia's dedication to preserving its heritage.
In supporting Indonesia's efforts to safeguard its repatriated cultural heritage, the Dutch government has pledged assistance in enhancing museum storage conditions and staff expertise. However, concerns have been raised regarding Indonesia's lack of a legal framework to protect its diverse cultural and natural heritage. A report indicated at least 11 cases of museum thefts were documented between 2010 and 2020. Additionally, recent incidents in 2023 saw crews looting archaeological objects from the Batanghari River in Jambi province, raising concerns about the illegal sale of artifacts abroad.
Frengky Simanjuntak, a visitor impressed by the Repatriation Exhibition at the National Museum, highlighted the importance of not only bringing these artifacts back home but also ensuring their protection and preservation.
