Jakarta, IO – This initiative was taken by the US government as a form of respect to the rich culture of Southeast Asian countries.
The artifacts comprise two relics dating back to the Majapahit Kingdom and a bronze statue of the Hindu god Shiva. Other than to Indonesia, the US repatriated 27 artifacts to Cambodia.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg explained that in total the objects are worth US$3 million (Rp48 billion).
New York City is known as a center for trading in stolen and looted art and cultural material. In recent years, the US courts have confiscated a number of works of art from museums and private collectors.
One prominent case was the sale of a bronze statue of Shiva by an art dealer in 2007, which was eventually donated to the Denver Art Museum in Colorado. It was confiscated by a New York court in 2023.
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“We continue to investigate the extensive smuggling network targeting Southeast Asian relics. It is clear that a lot of work remains to be done,” said Alvin, per Kumparan, Mon (29/4).
The US action was highly appreciated by the Indonesian Consul General in New York Winanto Adi. He called it a priceless gift in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of US-Indonesia diplomatic relations. (un)