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| Foto:The Indonesian Ministry of Education |
VISTORBELITUNG.COM,Jakarta, CNN Indonesia The Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands has announced a historic decision to return a large number of historical objects, including the legendary fossil of 'Java Man' (Pithecanthropus erectus), as well as approximately 30,000 other artifacts to the Republic of Indonesia (RI).
This move is part of the latest Dutch decolonization policy regarding cultural objects taken during the colonial era. The decision has been warmly welcomed as a significant moment in diplomatic relations and reconciliation efforts between the two countries.
The fossil of Pithecanthropus erectus, now known as Homo erectus, is one of the most significant finds in the history of global paleoanthropology. Discovered by Dutch scientist Eugène Dubois in 1891 in Trinil, East Java, the fossil became key evidence in understanding human evolution.
The return of the 'Java Man' fossil is not only symbolically valuable but also strengthens Indonesia's position as the original site of crucial discoveries in human prehistory. The fossil has long been part of the collection at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden, Netherlands.
In addition to the prehistoric fossil, the repatriation process also includes thousands of historical and cultural objects of great diversity. The estimated total of 30,000 artifacts to be returned consists of ethnographic collections, archaeological objects, and works of art originating from various regions of the archipelago.
This decision was made based on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on the Return of Cultural Objects from Former Dutch Colonies, which reviewed the request for return from the Indonesian side.
The Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology welcomed this return. They stated that these valuable objects would soon be placed in national museums and research centers across Indonesia.
"The return of these artifacts is not just a matter of ownership, but also a crucial momentum to enrich the historical and cultural insights of our nation, and is part of a broader process of reconciliation," a Ministry representative said.
The technical process for the return of these thousands of collections is expected to take time and involve close cooperation between conservation experts and curators from both countries to ensure the safety and condition of the historical objects.