Indonesia welcomes return of stolen artefacts from the Netherlands: Video
Indonesia is celebrating the return of hundreds of historical artefacts taken by the Netherlands during the colonial era.
The items, including statues, coins, and jewellery, were looted between the late 17th century and 1945.
Among them is a rare standing statue of the Hindu god Ganesha, now displayed at Jakarta's National Museum.
“This is part of preserving our culture,” said Devi Aristya Nurhidayanti, a visitor at the museum. “Hopefully, more people will learn this is part of our heritage.”
Over 800 cultural items have been returned so far, but many more remain abroad, with ongoing efforts to bring them home.
The head of Indonesia’s repatriation team, I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, said, “We proved to the international community that Indonesia is capable of preserving these treasures.” He also described the return as “a healing process” for the nation to reconnect with its history.
Plans are underway to improve museum facilities to protect and display the artefacts properly.
