Jakarta, IO – The Director General of Culture is preparing the National Museum to receive 472 historical objects from Indonesia to be repatriated from the Netherlands.
Irmawati Mawoto, a member of the repatriation team, revealed that several historic objects, including the four Singasari statues and 335 Lombok treasures, will be quarantined first prior to public exhibition.
“This quarantine aims to adjust the condition of the objects in the new environment,” said Irma, per detikTravel, Monday (21/8). The National Museum will provide special treatment for these objects, including matters of security.
“Because these objects, such as statues, are already acclimatized in a cold country and then suddenly brought here something could happen. So they need to be put in a separate room first to get used to our climate,” said Irma.
“We have made special preparations with regard to security, air temperature and other aspects,” she added.
The objects will be repatriated on Thursday (17/8). Previously, the repatriation team had authenticated the objects designated as cultural heritage.
While there are still thousands of other Indonesian artefacts held by museums in the Netherlands, repatriating all of them proves challenging as the National Museum may not have enough space to accommodate them.
Read: MK Allows Political Rally In Educational Facilities As Long As No Party Attributes Are Displayed
Irma said there is a need for a new, bigger and more modern museum to house all the artefacts. She said Egypt had prepared for the return of the historical objects by first preparing its building, technology and human resources.
“In reality, we are also not ready if everything is returned. That’s why we choose and propose those that can give knowledge, can build an identity. It’s not yet time for us to have them all repatriated,” said Irma. (at)