DPR Values Repatriation Of 288 Indonesian Artifacts From The Netherlands Forms Of Recognition Of National History

Photo by Jo Marijual Guimarprimes on Unsplash

JAKARTA - Commission X DPR RI assesses that the repatriation of 288 historical artifacts belonging to Indonesia from the Netherlands is a commitment to the recognition of national history. The DPR also asked the Government to take good care of the artifacts that have been successfully repatriated.

"The repatriation of this artifact has not only an important meaning for the people of Indonesia, but is also a symbol of the commitment of the Dutch government in recognizing past history," said Member of Commission X DPR RI, Andreas Hugo Pareira, Tuesday, September 29.

The repatriation of 288 artifacts involves cooperation between the Indonesian government, in this case the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), the Dutch government, and includes the study of provinces. Provenans studies are intended to research deep sources or origins to ensure the authenticity of historical goods.

Andreas appealed to the Government to maintain and maintain these historical items well because artifacts can be tangible evidence that can be shown to grandchildren about the history of the nation.

"The return of this artifact is proof that the history and culture of our nation is something that is valuable and deserves to be maintained with all our hearts so that our children and grandchildren can see how the history of this nation is formed," he explained.

The process of repatriating the artifact began with the signing of an agreement by the Minister of Education, Culture and Dutch Sciences Eppo Egbert Willem Bruins at Wereldmuseum, Amsterdam, which was also attended by the Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Mayerfas.

"Of course this is also a manifestation of the restoration of the identity of the Indonesian nation," said Andreas.

Artifacts repatriated include various objects from Puputan Badung war collections that were taken during the Dutch occupation of Bali in 1906, and historical statues from Candi Singhasari in East Java. The collections are one statue of Ganesha, statues of Brahma, statues of ware, and statues of Nandi who was previously repatriated in 2023.

According to Andreas, the repatriation of this historic artifact is clear evidence of the preservation of the nation's cultural heritage and history that never stops.

"This moment is important to show that we are able to reclaim history and preserve cultural values that are part of the identity of the state," said the legislator from the NTT I electoral district.

Furthermore, Andreas assessed that the artifacts that have been returned to Indonesia are an additional effort in in introducing the younger generation to history. So that young people do not forget the history of the Indonesian nation.

"This step will open up opportunities for our younger generation to understand more deeply about the cultural heritage and the history of its nation," Andreas said.

"This artifact does not only belong to the Government, but also belongs to all Indonesian people. So we are all obliged to maintain, preserve, and appreciate this historical heritage as part of the nation's identity," he added.

The entire collection of repatriated artifacts will be managed by the Museum and Cultural Heritage Agency and exhibited in the context of the Indonesian National Museum which will be opened to the public on October 15.

Although this repatriation step shows great achievements, Andreas reminded, Indonesia still has a long journey to return the nation's cultural heritage spread across the world.

The House of Representatives Commission in charge of education, culture, and youth affairs also encourages the Government to accelerate efforts to collect and recover historical Indonesian objects that still exist in other countries.

"We must continue to strive to return other valuable artifacts that are still abroad. This is part of our commitment to safeguarding and respecting the history and identity of the Indonesian nation," Andreas concluded.