Ministry of Culture Welcomes Investigation into Colonial Objects in Dutch Royal Collections
Indonesian Ministry of Culture has welcomed the publication of ‘Conclusion and Recommendations on the Provenance Investigation of Colonial Objects in the Dutch Royal Collections’, announced by the House of Orange-Nassau Historic Collections Trust (SHVON). Kemenbud has praised SHVON’s independent investigation of over 1,000 colonial-era objects in the Dutch Royal Collections, which demonstrates a commitment to transparency, historical accountability, and clarity regarding the origins of collections acquired during the colonial period.
The investigation found that most objects were acquired through gifts or donations. However, the report also identified several items whose possession is suspected to be unlawful or unjust, linked to wartime plunder or military actions during colonial times. Specific items mentioned include firearms belonging to Raden Intan of the Keratuan Darah Putih in Lampung, seized after a battle against Dutch forces in 1856, and an Aceh shield allegedly taken during a Dutch military expedition in Samalanga in 1877.
Kemenbud views the investigation as a significant development, opening opportunities for a fair, transparent, and accountable resolution of colonial-era cultural heritage issues. Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon stated the investigation is a crucial step towards historical justice and strengthening Indonesia-Netherlands cooperation in resolving colonial cultural heritage issues.
‘We welcome this independent investigation as a significant step towards transparency and historical justice. Indonesia hopes to promptly discuss with the Dutch government the follow-up on items identified in the report as likely looted or acquired unlawfully,’ he said in a written statement on Sunday, 31 May 2026.
He added that the items mentioned in the report, including those related to Raden Intan and other findings, warrant further discussion within a repatriation framework between the two countries.
‘Items deemed to have been acquired unlawfully or unjustly should be returned to Indonesia through agreed repatriation mechanisms. This step is crucial for restoring historical justice and strengthening Indonesia-Netherlands relations,’ he added.
As a follow-up, the Ministry of Culture, through Indonesia’s Repatriation Team, will conduct further analysis of the investigation results and prepare necessary diplomatic steps. The ministry will soon send formal communications to relevant parties to begin discussions on the return of Indonesian cultural items listed in the report.
Fadli Zon is also scheduled to meet with the Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia to discuss the investigation’s follow-up and cooperation opportunities in repatriating Indonesian cultural items held in the Dutch Royal Collections.
Kemenbud stressed that repatriation efforts are part of the Indonesian government’s commitment to restore national collective memory, recover cultural heritage, strengthen historical justice, and ensure culturally significant objects return to Indonesia.
‘Repatriation is more than moving cultural objects; it is about restoring national collective memory, reclaiming historical dignity, and ensuring culturally significant heritage returns to the communities entitled to inherit it,’ he said.
The Indonesian government hopes the independent investigation will serve as a foundation for constructive dialogue and concrete steps to resolve colonial cultural heritage issues between Indonesia and the Netherlands.
‘We hope this investigation will form the basis for constructive dialogue and concrete steps to resolve colonial heritage issues between Indonesia and the Netherlands,’ Fadli Zon concluded.