On Wednesday, two 8th-century bronze Buddha statues were returned to Indonesia after being looted and sold by disreputable antiquities dealer Douglas Latchford. The sculptures, which had been in the hands of an unnamed collector since 2003, are now back on Indonesian soil following a legal battle.
The Indonesian Consulate in New York hosted the celebratory event, marking the return not only of the Buddhas but also two human skulls from the Dayak people. These artefacts were part of a larger repatriation effort that included items from Italy and Iraq, valued at approximately $15,000.
According to U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, 'We will continue to partner with [Homeland Security Investigations] to end callous profiteering from stolen artworks of cultural significance.' This return symbolizes a step towards proper restitution for historically looted treasures.
The event also highlighted the cooperation between Indonesia and law enforcement agencies in reclaiming artefacts. Consul General Winanto Adi noted that this partnership 'reflects the trust, mutual respect, and shared values' between both nations.
