RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has secured the return of two important cultural artifacts from the Netherlands after centuries abroad. The repatriation marks a significant step in preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.

The artifacts include a 13th-century Shiva statue from East Java and the 15th-century Damalung inscription from Central Java. Based on a release received, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, both items had long been part of collections in the Netherlands.

The agreement for their return was signed on March 31, 2026, in The Hague. It involved Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands Laurentius Amrih Jinangkung and Dutch Director-General for Culture and Media Youssef Louakili.

The artifacts were previously housed at the Wereldmuseum Amsterdam and Wereldmuseum Leiden. Their return reflects growing cooperation between Indonesia and the Netherlands in cultural affairs.

Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, said the repatriation carries deeper meaning beyond the return of historical objects. “This is the restoration of the nation’s collective memory and a concrete step toward historical reconciliation,” he stated.

He emphasized that cultural heritage should belong to the communities from which it originated. “Cultural heritage must return to the people who are its rightful owners,” the minister said.

The repatriation follows a similar success in 2025, when Indonesia secured the return of Java Man fossils after more than a century abroad. The current artifacts are being transported and will be handed over to the National Museum upon arrival.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the return of other cultural assets overseas. It also aims to expand international research collaboration while ensuring broader public access for education and national identity building.