JAKARTA, World.WartaGlobal.id – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto received Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel for a courtesy visit at his residence in Kertanegara, Jakarta, on Wednesday (July 22, 2026). The meeting marked an important step in strengthening cooperation between Indonesia and the United States, particularly in the repatriation of Indonesian cultural artifacts that had been illegally smuggled abroad.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, accompanied by Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, said that during the meeting the FBI Director symbolically handed over a number of Indonesian cultural artifacts to President Prabowo. The handover was part of ongoing cooperation between the Indonesian Government and the FBI to recover historical objects that had previously been taken overseas.

According to Fadli Zon, the returned artifacts originated from Papua and represent the cultural heritage of the Dani, Asmat, and Danau Sentani indigenous communities. These objects hold significant historical, cultural, and symbolic value as part of Indonesia's national heritage.

Fadli noted that the FBI has assisted the Indonesian Government on several occasions in recovering cultural artifacts that had been stolen or illegally trafficked. Among the recovered items are bronze statues and other historical artifacts originating from various cultural heritage sites across Indonesia.

The return of these artifacts is regarded as part of the government's commitment to restoring Indonesia's cultural sovereignty while protecting the nation's historical heritage from the illegal trafficking of cultural property.

The Indonesian Government plans to place all repatriated artifacts in the National Museum of Indonesia, where they will be preserved, studied, and made accessible to the public. The initiative is expected not only to enrich the country's national collection but also to raise public awareness of the importance of safeguarding and preserving Indonesia's cultural heritage.

The meeting between President Prabowo and FBI Director Kash Patel also reflected the growing strength of bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and the United States, extending beyond law enforcement to include the preservation and recovery of cultural assets that form an integral part of Indonesia's national identity and history.

Source: Presidential Secretariat (BPMI Setpres)