For the first time in its history, the Netherlands returns works of art to Indonesia, its former colony

by Redazione , published on 09/01/2020
Categories: Museums / Disclaimer
For the first time in history, the Netherlands is returning objects and works of art to Indonesia, its former colony.

Some 1,500 historical objects stanndo leaving theNetherlands and have returned to Indonesia, a former Dutch colony: the first time the Netherlands has returned objects and artworks to Indonesia. The transfer is the result of an agreement signed in 2016 by the two countries, but due to various delays (mostly legal) it has slipped until early 2020. The objects were part of the collection of the Nusantara Museum in Delft, an institution later closed in 2013 due to financial problems (they were later transferred to the Prinsenhof Museum). The returned objects include evidence from all historical periods, including prehistoric objects and modern artworks (the most recent pieces date back to the 1940s-Indonesia gained independence from the Netherlands in 1945).

“This is the first time in Indonesia’s history that Indonesian objects or works of art that were taken by the Dutch are returning,” said Indonesia’s culture minister, Hilman Farid. “This is a historic event and we want to share it with everyone. We hope this will pave the way for the return of objects kept in other European museums.” The objects will be displayed at the National Museum of Indonesia: the move is currently underway, and the first exhibition with the returned objects is scheduled for June this year. However, museum management has indicated that other Indonesian museums will have the opportunity to have returned objects.

Pictured: the return to Indonesia of an object returned from Holland. Photo by the Ministry of Culture of Indonesia

For the first time in its history, the Netherlands returns works of art to Indonesia, its former colony
For the first time in its history, the Netherlands returns works of art to Indonesia, its former colony


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