Rotterdam becomes first Dutch city to repatriate colonial collection under national policy

The objects, part of the so-called Lombok Treasure and the Puputan Badung Collection, were seized at the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries during military actions by the Dutch colonial army. Research has confirmed that these objects were taken against the will of their rightful owners and under duress.

Alderman Said Kasmi (Education, Culture, and Events): “Rotterdam acknowledges that the artworks we are returning today were never ours to keep and belong in Indonesia. With this restitution, we take an important step in addressing colonial injustices. It is a gesture of respect for the Indonesian culture and the history that we share.”

Ambassador Mayerfas, Republic of Indonesia: “These pieces are more than artefacts; they are symbols of identity and resilience, embodying the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia. Let today remind us that cultural repatriation is a collective responsibility and an essential step toward healing and reconciliation from the past.”

The restitution includes two singa statues from the palace of Cakranegara in Lombok, which were looted in 1894 during the so-called Lombok War by the Royal Dutch East Indies Army (KNIL). A singa is a mythical lion symbolising support and protection, often used in temple and palace architecture. These statues were previously exhibited at Wereldmuseum Rotterdam.

Additionally, 66 objects from the Puputan Badung Collection are being returned, including ceremonial weapons, jewellery, textiles, and other cultural items. These were seized on the battlefield and from the palaces and temples of the Badung Kingdom during the 1906 conquest of South Bali by the Dutch colonial army.

Indonesia requested the return of these objects due to their cultural and historical significance. They are vital pieces of the nation’s heritage, connected to key events in the history of Bali and Lombok. After their return, some of these objects will be displayed at the Museum Nasional in Jakarta, where they will contribute to preserving Indonesia’s cultural history.

The city of Rotterdam is working closely with Indonesia and the Wereldmuseum to ensure a careful restitution process. The Wereldmuseum will oversee the transportation and transfer of the objects to Indonesia later this year.

Marieke van Bommel, Managing Director of the Wereldmuseum: “We are pleased that these objects are returning to Indonesia. They hold immense cultural significance for the Indonesian people and should never have been here. We are grateful for the excellent collaboration with our Indonesian partners, the Municipality of Rotterdam, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science in making this restitution possible.”