The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has officially returned a set of four gilded silver headdresses belonging to the Mataram Sultanate to the National Museum of Indonesia. These sacred objects, taken during the Dutch colonial campaigns in Java, were once worn by royal dancers during palace ceremonies. The restitution is the latest in a series of high-profile returns following the Netherlands' 2023 commitment to address colonial injustices.
The return ceremony in Jakarta emphasized the spiritual significance of the items, which were received with traditional offerings and music. Indonesian officials stated that the headdresses would be the centerpiece of a new exhibition exploring the philosophical foundations of the Mataram court. The move is viewed as a vital step in strengthening cultural ties and healing historical wounds between the two nations.