Netherlands returns 20 looted objects to Indonesia, including Banjarmasin diamond
The Dutch government is returning twenty cultural objects taken during the colonial period, with the legal handover signed in Amsterdam on 9 October.
The Netherlands is returning twenty cultural objects to Indonesia that were wrongfully brought to the Netherlands during the colonial period, for example through robbery or coercion. Culture Minister Rianne Letschert and her Indonesian counterpart, Fadli Zon, sign the transfer agreement on 9 October at the Indonesia House in Amsterdam.
The objects include the Banjarmasin diamond, a handwritten Koran and several gravestones. Eighteen were managed by the world museum (Wereldmuseum) and two by the Rijksmuseum. The diamond is a cut stone of 38 carats that was once part of the sultan of Banjarmasin's crown jewels.
Letschert, who handles education, culture and science (OCW), is following the advice of the Commissie Koloniale Collecties, chaired by Lilian Gonçalves-Ho Kang You. Its provenance research found involuntary loss of possession for all twenty objects.
They should never have been in the Netherlands. We are now righting this wrong.Minister Rianne Letschert
Marieke van Bommel, director of the Wereldmuseum, said the museum is pleased with restitution. In her words, if objects came into the collection improperly, it is right that they go back to their country of origin.
The objects stay in the Netherlands for now. Van Bommel said they will be packed and the paperwork arranged over the coming months before transport to Indonesia.
Dubois collection and other requests
A transfer agreement for the Dubois collection, held at Naturalis Biodiversity Center, has also been signed. Former minister Gouke Moes decided in September 2025 to return it. Four key objects have already been handed over, and transport of the rest starts shortly. The commission is also handling requests from Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Commissie Koloniale Collecties
The Dutch advisory committee that assesses requests to return cultural objects taken from former colonies. It reviews provenance research on whether an object was lost involuntarily, and advises the minister on whether the Dutch state should return it. The minister of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) decides on the return, usually following its advice.