"Still in the spirit of independence, the Indonesian people should be proud of the results of our joint struggle for approximately two and a half years to return historical and cultural objects belonging to this nation back to the country," Makarim said.

Niti Darmika, a visitor at the National Museum from Bali, welcomed the news of the return of the artifacts and agreed that the display of the repatriated artifacts could help raise people’s awareness about Indonesian history and culture.

"It seems that some people don't really care about what our ancestors went through in the past. With the return of artifacts and their being displayed in the National Museum, more people can learn the history behind the artifacts and appreciate our culture," Darmika said.

"This move may also strengthen the bond between the two nations," she added.

Another visitor from Kalimantan, Dewanti Dyah Ayu Rengganis, said that she was aware of the news and was glad about the repatriation.

"After all, the Netherlands colonized Indonesia for almost 350 years. I think the return of Indonesian artifacts is good news since it represents the Netherlands' respect for our country," she added.

The return of historic and cultural artifacts to Indonesia marks a milestone in rectifying historical injustices and would enable the Indonesian people to reconnect with their lost heritage while reinforcing the spirit of nationalism.

This endeavor not only bridges the past with the present but also fosters cultural understanding between nations, signifying the important role that artifacts play in both cultural preservation and diplomacy.

Related news: Netherlands returns historical objects to Indonesia
Related news: Netherlands to return 472 cultural objects to Indonesia


Editor: Anton Santoso
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