Damalung Inscription and 13th-Century Shiva Statue return to Indonesia
Indonesia has successfully secured the repatriation of two major historical artifacts from the Netherlands. The 13th-century Shiva Statue from East Java and the 15th-century Damalung Inscription from Central Java are set to return home after centuries abroad.
The formal agreement was signed on March 31, 2026, in The Hague by the Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Laurentius Amrih Jinangkung, and the Dutch Director General for Culture and Media, Youssef Louakili. These artifacts were previously held in the prestigious collections of Wereldmuseum Amsterdam and Wereldmuseum Leiden.
Indonesian Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that this event transcends the simple return of physical objects, viewing it as a vital act of historical justice.
“This is a restoration of the nation's collective memory and a real step toward historical reconciliation,” Minister Fadli Zon said, as quoted by the ministry's official website on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
This success follows the landmark return of Java Man fossils in 2025, signaling a strengthening partnership between Indonesia and the Netherlands regarding cultural heritage. The repatriation process is currently underway, with the artifacts scheduled to be housed at the National Museum of Indonesia upon their arrival.
The Indonesian government has reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the return of other cultural treasures currently scattered across the globe. Beyond physical recovery, the Ministry aims to foster international research by opening new avenues for collaborative global studies on these significant artifacts.
Furthermore, the government is dedicated to providing public access, ensuring that these treasures offer broad educational opportunities to strengthen national identity. To ensure their survival for future generations, the Ministry will also prioritize conservation by utilizing state-of-the-art facilities at the National Museum for long-term preservation.
By bringing these treasures back, Indonesia continues to reconstruct its historical narrative, ensuring that future generations can directly connect with the country's rich ancestral legacy.
Main Image: 13th-century Shiva Statue from East Java