KBRN, Jakarta: Minister of Culture Fadli Zon announced significant progress in repatriating Indonesian cultural artifacts from the Netherlands after the bilateral talks between Indonesia’s Repatriation Team and the Dutch Colonial Collections Committee (CCC) in Jakarta on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

"We agreed to continue the bilateral mechanism established under the 2023-2025 Technical Arrangement," he said in a press statement on Tuesday evening, May 27, 2025.

He noted that the meeting resulted in a joint conclusion to strengthen cooperation in artifact restitution.The bilateral mechanism emphasizes research into the origins of collections, knowledge exchange, and the involvement of cultural and academic institutions from both countries.

One key focus of the joint research by Indonesia and the Dutch CCC is the Dubois Collection, which includes prehistoric human fossils from Indonesia that are still held in the Netherlands.

In his closing remarks, the minister appreciated the delegation’s visits to the National Library and National Museum, highlighting Indonesia’s commitment to cultural preservation, digitization, and public education.

"Moving forward, we also encourage collaboration on digital repatriation and developing a joint online platform for public access. We are reconnecting historical narratives and restoring dignity through this restitution effort," he said optimistically. ***

Translator: Naura Sofia

Editor: Bambang Muryanto