RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Culture is strengthening its collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) for the Kingdom of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union to facilitate the repatriation of cultural artifacts to Indonesia as part of a broader effort to restore national identity.

Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, emphasized that repatriation is a strategic priority for the nation. "Repatriation is a strategic priority because it concerns historical values and national identity," Fadli said on Monday, May 4, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He expressed hope that a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be drafted soon to provide a constructive framework for the process.

The Ministry is focusing on a deep study of provenance, the historical ownership and origin of artifacts, to ensure that the return of these items serves as an act of historical justice. A key element of this initiative is active diplomacy, with Minister Fadli lauding Ambassador Andy Rachmianto’s cultural expertise in navigating diplomatic channels within the EU.

Concrete coordination is also a priority, as Ambassador Andy has confirmed that communication with the Belgian government is already underway to facilitate technical follow-ups. Furthermore, the initiative maintains a broader international scope, as Indonesia is actively pursuing similar repatriation efforts with various nations, including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Russia, India, France, and the United States.

To support these efforts, the Indonesian government is conducting a comprehensive inventory of cultural collections located abroad. Funding for necessary historical research is being made available through the Dana Indonesiaraya (Indonesiaraya Fund) scheme, ensuring that the repatriation claims are backed by rigorous academic study.

The collaboration also looks ahead to the 50th anniversary of ASEAN–EU relations in 2027. A high-level forum scheduled for Singapore will serve as a platform to further strengthen Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy and international cooperation. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to using culture as a strategic instrument to expand Indonesia's global presence while preserving its rich heritage. ***