Netherlands returns stolen colonial artifacts to Indonesia in historic restitution
The Netherlands is returning three culturally significant artifacts to Indonesia, including a 13th-century Shiva statue and a looted Quran, as part of efforts to address colonial-era injustices. This move reflects a growing policy to repatriate objects taken without consent during the colonial period.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Artifacts Returned | 13th-century Shiva statue, Prasasti Damalung inscription, Quran |
| Origin | Indonesia (taken in the 19th century) |
| Recipient | National Museum of Indonesia, Jakarta |
| Signing Ceremony | March 31, 2026, at Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) |
| Signatories | Indonesian Ambassador Laurentius Amrih Jinangkung, DG Youssef Louakili |
| Additional Return | Quran from Wereldmuseum Rotterdam (looted from Acehnese leader Teuku Umar) |
| Policy Basis | Advisory Committee on Return of Cultural Objects from Colonial Contexts |
| Previous Returns | Dubois collection (2025), including a skull cap |
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) oversees the Netherlands' policy on colonial collections, ensuring the ethical return of cultural artifacts taken during the colonial era. The Advisory Committee on the Return of Cultural Objects provides independent recommendations to guide these restitutions.
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Cultural artifacts from Wereldmuseum returned to Indonesia
The Netherlands is returning two objects from the collection of the Wereldmuseum to Indonesia, following the advice of the Advisory Committee on the Return of Cultural Objects from Colonial Contexts. The items in question are a 13th-century statue of the god Shiva and a stone with an inscription known as the Prasasti Damalung. Both were taken from Indonesia to the Netherlands without permission in the 19th century. The objects will be transferred to the National Museum of Indonesia in Jakarta.
The transfer agreement will be signed on March 31 by the Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Laurentius Amrih Jinangkung, and the Director-General for Culture and Media, Youssef Louakili, at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW).
Return by the Municipality of Rotterdam
In addition to the two objects from the national collection, the Municipality of Rotterdam is returning a Quran from the collection of the Wereldmuseum Rotterdam to Indonesia. The holy book was looted by Dutch soldiers during raids on the home of Acehnese resistance leader Teuku Umar (1854–1899).
The Advisory Committee on the Return of Cultural Objects from Colonial Contexts has recommended the return of these three items. The advice, based on provenance research conducted by the Wereldmuseum, was developed in close consultation with Indonesian partners and aligns with the policy on colonial collections.
Contribution to redressing historical injustice
The Netherlands is returning cultural artifacts that were involuntarily removed from their places of origin during the colonial period. Countries of origin may submit requests for the return of such items, after which the independent committee issues an advisory opinion. The return of cultural objects with a colonial provenance is a contribution to redressing this historical injustice.
This is the fourth return of cultural artifacts to Indonesia, further implementing the Netherlands’ policy on colonial collections. In September 2025, the former Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Gouke Moes, decided to return the Dubois collection from Naturalis Biodiversity Center. In December 2025, the first four key pieces, including a skull cap, were returned to Indonesia. Work is currently underway to transfer the remainder of this extensive collection.