JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesia’s National Museum is currently showcasing a remarkable collection of ancient stone Buddha statues and exquisite jewelry that have been returned by the Dutch government, offering a window into the country’s extensive cultural history. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reclaim over 800 artifacts, a process sealed by a Repatriation Agreement established in 2022 between Indonesia and the Netherlands. According to Gunawan, the museum’s head of cultural heritage, these items encompass not only those taken during conflicts but also artifacts seized by scientists and missionaries, as well as objects smuggled in by mercenaries throughout four centuries of colonial dominance.
Visitors to the museum, such as Shaloom Azura, expressed their amazement at finally seeing these artifacts in person. Azura voiced a desire for more historical pieces to be returned, emphasizing that Indonesians should not need to travel to the Netherlands to appreciate their own heritage. The momentum for returning such cultural assets stems from a growing global movement aimed at restitution and repatriation.
Recent examples from other countries highlight this trend; in 2021, France announced the return of various items, including royal thrones and sacred altars from Benin, while Belgium opted to return a gold-capped tooth belonging to Patrice Lumumba, a Congolese independence leader. Additionally, Cambodia recently celebrated the return of invaluable artifacts that had been unlawfully appropriated during periods of conflict, and the Berlin museum authority intends to return hundreds of human skulls from its former East African colony.
The Dutch government made headlines in the same year with the announcement of returning Indonesian treasures alongside artifacts pillaged from Sri Lanka. However, prior to the agreement, only a handful of items had been repatriated. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, who previously served as Indonesia’s ambassador to the Netherlands and headed the government team dedicated to recovering these treasures, clarified that the negotiations with the Dutch span back to Indonesia’s independence in 1945, finally culminating in July 2022 when Indonesia formally put forth a list of specific items for return.
Puja emphasized that this repatriation is critical for reconstructing and clarifying aspects of history that may have been lost or distorted over time. He mentioned that restoring these artifacts would help fill a significant historical gap that has persisted since colonial times. Past returns include a renowned 13th-century statue of Princess Pradnya Paramita, along with other notable items connected to Prince Diponegoro, a significant Javanese figure who opposed colonial rule.
While the recent repatriation is hailed for its educational value, presenting a more complete understanding of Indonesia’s past, negotiations are still ongoing for the return of “Java Man,” a prehistoric hominin discovered by Dutch paleoanthropologist Eugene Dubois in the 19th century. Furthermore, contextualizing these repatriated items has been said to necessitate proper protective measures once they are back in Indonesia.
Marc Gerritsen, the Dutch ambassador to Indonesia, stressed that the focus would be on responding to specific requests for cultural objects rather than a broad removal of artifacts from European museums. He noted the growing interest among the Dutch public in Indonesian culture, suggesting that display of the returned items would be beneficial both ways.
Gerritsen acknowledged the complex nature of their historical relationship, which includes parts they are not proud of, while expressing gratitude for Indonesia’s commitment to preserving its cultural history. To further assist Indonesia in safeguarding its repatriated artifacts, the Dutch government has offered support for improved museum storage and staff training.
Despite the positive strides toward returning these cultural treasures, some voices have criticized Indonesia for lacking a robust legal framework to protect its extensive cultural assets effectively. A recent report revealed at least 11 thefts in museums from 2010 to 2020, underscoring the vulnerabilities faced in preserving heritage. Furthermore, recent excavations in the Batanghari River in Jambi province led to the looting of archaeological artifacts, indicating ongoing threats like smuggling and illicit trade.
Frengky Simanjuntak, who was captivated by the ongoing Repatriation Exhibition at the National Museum, underscored the importance of reviewing historical artifacts still housed in foreign countries. He emphasized that the focus should not only be on bringing these items back but also on implementing adequate measures to ensure their protection in the future.
