Rotterdam becomes first Dutch city to restitute colonial objects

The restitution of these art objects is an important step... These objects do not belong here in the Netherlands but in Indonesia. They are part of Indonesia's cultural heritage and it is time for them to return to the place where they belong, and where they have meaning for the people.

Rotterdam council has previously apologised for its colonial past and now it is time to translate those words into deeds. It’s our responsibility to acknowledge and act on previous wrongs.

These pieces are more than artefacts; they are symbols of identity and resilience, embodying the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia. Cultural repatriation is a vital process.

By returning these 68 pieces to Indonesia, Rotterdam has made a significant decision to correct past injustice, sparking a precedent for other local councils.

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