Colonial Sedimentation in Museum Collection Repatriation: A Critical Discourse Analysis on the Repatriation of Pangeran Diponegoro's Keris and Other Indonesian Historical Artifacts
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61963/jkt.v3i2.69Keywords:
Repatriation Discourse Analysis, Dutch Colonial Influence, Asymmetrical RelationsAbstract
This research explores the discourse surrounding the repatriation of Pangeran Diponegoro’s Keris and other Indonesian cultural artifacts, using Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to analyze media texts from Historia.id. The study investigates how colonial power dynamics persist in the representation of repatriation, revealing the influence of Dutch authority in shaping the narrative even in post-colonial contexts. The findings indicate that while the return of cultural heritage is celebrated as a diplomatic success and a reclamation of Indonesia’s national identity, the discourse is still heavily influenced by colonial perspectives. Euphemistic language, reliance on Dutch sources, and the portrayal of Indonesia as a passive recipient all contribute to the reproduction of asymmetrical power relations. The study also examines the socio-cultural and political implications of the repatriation. On a national level, the return of the keris is a significant step in restoring Indonesia’s historical consciousness and cultural pride. Politically, it serves as a tool for strengthening diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the Netherlands, although challenges remain in addressing the lingering colonial legacies that influence these interactions. The research underscores the complexity of repatriation as a decolonizing process, where the return of physical artifacts does not fully dismantle the historical power imbalances that continue to shape the discourse on cultural heritage.
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