The Netherlands has announced plans to repatriate a diverse collection of cultural artifacts and art, including jewelry, precious metals, and a lavishly adorned cannon. These items were looted during the colonial period from Indonesia and Sri Lanka, both of which were former Dutch colonies. This move signifies the Dutch government's commitment to returning the plundered treasures, aiming to address historical injustices and foster cultural reconciliation.

The Ministry of Culture in The Hague has affirmed that the majority of these artifacts hold immense cultural significance and possess considerable value.

Dutch state secretary for Culture and Media Gunay Uslu said, “This is a historic moment. It’s the first time we’re following the recommendations of the committee to give back objects that should never have been brought to the Netherlands. But we are not just returning objects. We are actually starting a period in which we are more intensively cooperating with Indonesia and Sri Lanka."

Following careful deliberation of the recommendations put forth by a government-appointed commission last year, the decision has been made to return approximately 478 objects. These items were acquired illegally during the Dutch colonial period and are currently exhibited in various museums throughout the Netherlands. The decision to repatriate these artifacts reflects recognition of their illicit acquisition and the need to address the historical injustices associated with colonial acquisitions.

The committee appealed to the government, urging them to demonstrate a willingness to unconditionally return any cultural artifacts that were looted from former Dutch colonies, should the source countries make such a request.

"The Netherlands must assume responsibility for its colonial past by making the recognition and redress of this injustice a key principle of the policy on colonial collections," the report stated.

The commission was formed in response to a request made by Indonesia, urging the Netherlands to return natural history collections and art pieces that were obtained during the period of colonial rule.

Among the notable treasures set to be returned are the "Lombok treasure," a collection of invaluable gemstones, silver objects, and gold looted by the Dutch colonial army from Indonesia's Lombok Island in 1894. Part of this treasure was previously returned to Indonesia in 1977.

Another significant artifact among the stolen items is the Cannon of Kandy, which will be repatriated to Sri Lanka. This ceremonial weapon, adorned with silver, gold, bronze, and rubies, is believed to have been plundered by the Dutch in 1765. It has been housed in the Rijksmuseum's collection since 1800. A ceremony has been scheduled this week to formally return these looted artifacts to Indonesia.

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