Prabowo Meet with FBI Director Discussing Repatriation of Indonesia’s Stolen Cultural Artefacts

Jakarta: President Prabowo Subianto met with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel to discuss the repatriation of Indonesian cultural artefacts from the United States.
 
“Following provenance research to verify the artifacts’ origins, Mr. Kash Patel personally handed over the items to President Prabowo,” Culture Minister Fadli Zon said after the meeting in Jakarta, as reported by Antara on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
 
The repatriated artifacts originate from Papua and encompass the cultural heritage of the Dani and Asmat tribes, as well as the Lake Sentani communities.
 
They will be displayed at the National Museum in Jakarta as part of efforts to educate the public about Indonesia’s cultural heritage.
 
Fadli also noted the long-standing relationship between Indonesia and the FBI, with the agency previously assisting in the return of bronze statues and other historical artifacts.
 
“We hope to continue strengthening our cooperation with the FBI moving forward, particularly on the repatriation and restitution of cultural artifacts,” he said.
 
(Jonathan Sianto)