JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – In a significant development for cultural relations between Indonesia and the Netherlands, Dutch Deputy Minister of Culture and Media, Barbera Wolfensberger, confirmed that a new batch of Indonesian artifacts will be returned to Indonesia by the end of December 2024. This marks the third wave of repatriation, a major step in restoring valuable cultural items to their rightful place.

Wolfensberger revealed at the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Jakarta that the artifacts, some of which have been on display in various Dutch museums, would be shipped back to Indonesia in the third week of December. Although she did not specify the exact items, she mentioned that over a hundred historical objects would be included in this repatriation wave, which have previously been exhibited in places like the city of Rotterdam.

The deputy minister expressed her strong belief that these cultural items should have never left Indonesia in the first place. “These artifacts belong here, in Indonesia. It is good to finally see them returned, where they can be displayed in the proper context, in their country of origin,” she stated.

This repatriation also symbolizes an important phase in strengthening ties between Indonesia and the Netherlands, particularly in the fields of museum studies and archaeological education. Both countries have been collaborating extensively, with experts exchanging knowledge about the origins and history of the Nusantara artifacts.

In a conversation on December 5, 2024, Indonesian Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, confirmed that within the next two to three weeks, the next wave of artifacts would arrive, including crucial pieces from the Volkenkunde Museum and other collections from various Dutch institutions. Among the notable items to be returned are the legendary kris (traditional dagger) of Prince Diponegoro, known as “Nogo Siluman,” and the kris of Teuku Umar.

Other priority items for repatriation include krises from Madura and the Balinese Puputan. These items, which have been the focus of repatriation efforts, are significant symbols of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.

The first wave of repatriation took place in mid-2023, followed by a second wave in October 2024, which saw the return of 288 objects, including artifacts related to the Puputan Badung of 1906 and Hindu-Buddhist statues from Java. Each wave highlights the ongoing efforts to recover pieces of Indonesia’s cultural past.

Minister Zon emphasized that the repatriation of these items is not only a physical return but also a celebration of Indonesia’s cultural heritage and identity. The process brings an opportunity to reflect on the importance of safeguarding and preserving national history.

As the third wave of repatriations nears completion, it further cements the growing international cooperation in cultural restitution, with both Indonesia and the Netherlands acknowledging the significance of these items to the people of Indonesia. This collaboration represents a forward-looking approach to cultural diplomacy and historical preservation, reinforcing the importance of protecting cultural artifacts for future generations.

This repatriation is seen as a crucial development, as these cultural objects hold immense historical and emotional value for the people of Indonesia. With the return of these artifacts, the country is taking vital steps toward reclaiming its rich and diverse cultural heritage.(Uki Ruknuddin)