The Indonesian Ministry of Culture is actively pursuing the repatriation of approximately 800 artifacts currently located abroad, including significant items such as the Diponegoro dagger. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon announced these efforts during a recent official event in Jakarta on January 8, 2025.
Among the artifacts sought for return are the Teguh Umar dagger and various daggers from the Madura Sultanate and Yogyakarta. Zon emphasized the importance of these items in Indonesia's cultural heritage.
Additionally, the minister mentioned ongoing efforts to retrieve the Pucangan Inscription, an important artifact that currently resides in India. This inscription contains genealogical information about historical figures such as Kings Erlangga and Empu Sendok.
Indonesia is also in the process of updating and expanding cooperation agreements with several countries, including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany, regarding these artifacts. Zon noted the necessity for Indonesia to be prepared to receive the repatriated items and stated that the government is currently identifying all artifacts that have already returned.
Furthermore, the government plans to continue research at the Gunung Padang site in Cianjur, West Java, which had previously been halted. Zon acknowledged differing opinions among archaeologists regarding the site, suggesting that a discussion forum could help address these views to achieve a consensus on future research directions.
In relation to Indonesia's intangible cultural heritage registered with UNESCO, the minister announced plans to establish a team dedicated to managing these cultural assets. Zon indicated that this team would expedite the registration process for additional intangible heritage items, with an aim to submit around five to six items for consideration soon.