From works of art to natural history objects and even entire collections, the Indonesian government is demanding them all back from the Netherlands. Who writes Fidelity which contains a list that was sent to the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in July.
The items on that list have been designated by Indonesia as art. That’s why the country is now asking for them back. These are individual masterpieces, but also entire collections such as the Dubois collection, which is exhibited in the Naturalis museum in Leiden.
This collection consists of around 40,000 fossils, the highlight of which is the skull of the so-called Java man. It was excavated in 1891 by the Dutch researcher Eugène Dubois. The skull has been of crucial scientific importance in human evolution research.
Indonesia also wants the reins of Diponegoro’s horse back. He led a Javanese revolt against Dutch colonial rule. The “Lombok Treasure” is also on the Indonesian wish list. According to the Rijksmuseum most were returned as early as 1977. But Indonesia says a Leiden museum still has a number of precious stones and gold and silver jewelry.
An independent committee will determine if it is about art
The ministry confirms that it has received the return request from Indonesia. An independent committee will now review the list of requests. It has to be determined by object whether it is actually plundered art.
Naturalis informs Trouw that he will cooperate. Although a spokesperson fears that the Dubois collection in Indonesia is no better off than in Leiden. “We understand the Indonesian statement. But the question is also: where can the collection be safely stored, accessed and searched? I think I know the answer. “
