RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and the United States have strengthened cooperation to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage, resulting in the repatriation of eight cultural artifacts from Papua that had been taken abroad. The return marks another milestone in Indonesia's broader effort to recover cultural treasures and preserve its national heritage.

The artifacts were officially presented during a press conference held by Indonesia's Ministry of Culture in Jakarta on Thursday July 23, 2026. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said the repatriation was made possible through close collaboration between the ministry and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The eight returned artifacts include a carved human skull, a polished green stone from the Dani community, stone axes, a stone adze from the Lake Sentani area, and decorated wooden clubs associated with the Asmat people. According to the ministry, the objects are considered important elements of Papua's cultural legacy and had previously been outside Indonesia.

Fadli expressed appreciation for the FBI's role in recovering the artifacts and preventing them from entering the illegal art market. "We greatly appreciate what the FBI has done to help recover these cultural objects," he said, adding that the agency had also helped intercept other Indonesian artifacts that were allegedly destined for auction in the United States before returning them to Indonesia.

He noted that the cooperation reflects a shared commitment between Indonesia and the United States to curb the illicit trafficking of cultural property. "This is also an important effort to prevent our cultural heritage from being taken out of the country," Fadli said.

Earlier this week, President Prabowo Subianto, accompanied by Fadli, received five of the Papuan artifacts from FBI Director Kash Patel. Three additional artifacts had previously been handed over by the FBI to the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C., before being processed for their return to Indonesia.

The Ministry of Culture said the repatriation is part of an ongoing program to recover Indonesian cultural heritage objects from overseas through cooperation with foreign governments and international institutions. Previous efforts have included the return of historical inscriptions, bronze statues, museum collections, and other significant cultural objects from several countries.

Fadli affirmed that Indonesia will continue expanding international partnerships to safeguard its cultural heritage and prevent the illegal trade of archaeological objects. He also stressed that protecting cultural heritage requires stronger cross-border cooperation to ensure that historically significant artifacts remain part of Indonesia's cultural identity for future generations.