RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia has expressed its appreciation for the ongoing partnership with the United States (US) regarding the return of Indonesian cultural heritage items held abroad. Collaborative efforts between the two nations over the past few years have yielded significant milestones in the repatriation of historical artifacts.

“In 2024, the United States facilitated the return of three vital Indonesian cultural objects, including relics from the Majapahit era and a bronze statue of the Hindu deity Shiva,” said Director General of Cultural Diplomacy, Promotion, and Cooperation at the Ministry of Culture, Endah Retnoastuti,in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

Retnoastuti further noted that the United States handed over several additional cultural objects in 2025. These included an Asmat war shield, a Dayak klebit bok (shield), a Batak tunggal panaluan ritual staff, and a Puspatara statue.

She added that the cooperation has now entered a new phase with plans to repatriate eight objects originating from Papua. This collection consists of seven cultural artifacts and one ancestral remains. Furthermore, she highlighted the return of a Surocolo bronze statue, which was previously held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Beyond physical repatriation, Indonesia is currently advancing the ratification process for the 1970 UNESCO Convention and the 1995 Institut International pour l’Unification du Droit Privé (UNIDROIT )Convention. Endah emphasized that the government supports the discussion of a bilateral framework through a Cultural Property Agreement (CPA).

Executive Director of the Antiquities Coalition, Tess Davis explained that this framework aims to bolster the protection of cultural heritage. According to her, the US has established approximately 30 similar agreements with various countries worldwide.

She noted that such agreements enhance diplomatic cooperation while strengthening law enforcement efforts against the illicit trade of cultural property. Tess Davis expressed her hope that a similar mechanism will soon be formalized between the United States and Indonesia. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)