An antique monument that was said to protect against bad luck was discovered by Dutch colonial authorities climbing an Indonesian volcano in the middle of the 19th century. They looted it and brought it to the Netherlands.
Inside Indonesia’s National Museum in Jakarta, the Hindu god Ganesha, with his four arms and elephant-like head, is depicted in a volcanic rock.
In order to recover portions of its history that were lost to looting under its former colonial ruler from the late 17th century until independence in 1945, the nation is returning hundreds of similarly looted relics.
“We fully support it because it is part of preserving our culture,” said 23-year-old banker Devi Aristya Nurhidayanti, standing in front of the Ganesha statue.
“Nowadays, not many people are aware of the history. Hopefully, through efforts like this, more people will learn that this is part of our heritage.”
Heritage workers in the Global South are prepared to return items that have been stolen from their colonial pasts, which might take decades. This endeavor is part of a global restitution campaign for commodities stolen from the Global South.
The Indonesian Heritage Agency reports that as of mid-December, 828 cultural artifacts had been brought back to Indonesia from the Netherlands.
From coins and jewelry to textiles and swords, they showcase a diverse range of Southeast Asian traditions, cultures, and craftsmanship.
Based on a 2020 request from a government advisory council, the Dutch government has promised to return cultural artifacts that were taken during more than three centuries of Dutch rule.
The goods should never have been removed, according to one cabinet minister.
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