JAKARTA, Indonesia — A collection of ancient stone Buddha statues and valuable jewelry recently returned by the Dutch government is now showcased at Indonesia’s National Museum, allowing visitors to appreciate the nation’s extensive cultural heritage, which the government has worked diligently to reclaim.
This exhibit consists of over 800 artifacts that were repatriated as part of a formal agreement inked in 2022 between Indonesia and the Netherlands, according to Gunawan, the museum’s head of cultural heritage. The items range from those looted during conflicts to those seized by scientists and missionaries, and even those smuggled by mercenaries during the lengthy colonial period that lasted four centuries.
Visitors are expressing their awe at the collection; one museum-goer, Shaloom Azura, said she was thrilled by the presence of these cultural treasures. She expressed a desire for more artifacts to be returned, adding that it feels unfortunate for Indonesians to have to travel to the Netherlands to view their own heritage.
The decision to return these cultural artifacts reflects a broader trend of global restitution and repatriation. In recent years, several countries have taken similar actions — for instance, France returned valuable objects taken from Benin, while Belgium sent back a gold-capped tooth of the noted Congolese freedom fighter Patrice Lumumba. Cambodia also welcomed the return of priceless artifacts looted during times of turmoil, with many of these repatriations originating from the U.S. Additionally, officials in Berlin have announced plans to return hundreds of human skulls collected during colonial times in East Africa.
The Dutch government’s announcement regarding the return of Indonesian artifacts, as well as items from Sri Lanka, marks a significant step forward in this ongoing effort. However, only a limited number of pieces had been returned prior to finalizing the agreement.
I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, former Indonesian ambassador to the Netherlands and leader of the team dedicated to recovering these artifacts, stated that negotiations have been in progress since Indonesia gained independence in August 1945. It was only in July 2022 that Indonesia formally made a request to return its cultural items, specifying the particular artifacts desired.
Puja emphasized the importance of this repatriation, noting that it allows for reconstructing historical narratives that might have been lost or distorted. He believes this can help bridge the historical gaps that have persisted.
In the past, Denmark returned significant items such as the 13th-century statue of Princess Pradnya Paramita from the Javanese Singhasari Kingdom, as well as other artifacts linked to national hero Prince Diponegoro during various royal visits. The return of the prince’s scepter occurred in 2015, while Dutch King Willem-Alexander returned a gold-plated kris dagger in 2020 during his first official visit to Indonesia. Still awaiting repatriation is the “Java Man,” an early example of Homo erectus discovered in the 19th century by Dutch paleoanthropologist Eugene Dubois.
Puja also remarked that the latest repatriation serves the purpose of expanding knowledge, enriching the understanding of Indonesia’s historical context. He recognized that recent efforts appear to be motivated by practical concerns, as evidenced by the return of 1,500 objects by the Delf city administration in 2019, which were part of a bankrupt museum’s collection.
Despite these advancements, Dutch Ambassador Marc Gerritsen noted that the repatriation will focus on specific cultural objects requested, rather than a sweeping removal of items from European museums. He acknowledged a strong interest among the Dutch public in Indonesian history and culture, understanding that this public interest can boost exhibition attendance in Dutch museums. He pointed out that while the past includes aspects that are regrettable, the current relationship with Indonesia is unique and pivotal.
The Dutch government is committed to supporting Indonesia in preserving its repatriated heritage, offering assistance in enhancing museum storage and staff expertise. Nonetheless, some critics have voiced concerns regarding Indonesia’s legal frameworks aimed at protecting its vast cultural and natural heritage. Between 2010 and 2020, there were reported incidents of museum thefts, and recent activities involving treasure hunting in local rivers have led to the looting of archaeological items believed to be sold internationally.
Frengky Simanjuntak, who was taken by the exhibition at the National Museum, reiterated the importance of not only bringing artifacts home but also ensuring their protection. He believes thorough assessments of Indonesia’s historical treasures held in foreign lands are necessary to safeguard the nation’s cultural identity.
