Ancient stone’s return discussed
Talks have started over the possible repatriation of a 1,000-year-old Javanese stone which has stood in the Borders since the 19th century.
The Indonesian government is seeking the return of the Minto Stone also known as the Sanggurah Stone.
It was taken from near the modern day town of Malang by British administrator Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1812.
He gave it to the governor general of India, Lord Minto, who brought it back to his home near Hawick.
A spokesman for the Indonesian culture ministry confirmed it was seeking the return of the inscribed stone which dates back to 928 AD.
“The Minto Stone is an important historical artefact and a crucial source of information,” he said.
“It contains the history of the Mataram kingdom in Central Java and its eventual shift of power to East Java.
“Upon the artefact’s return to Indonesia, it will be placed in the National Museum in Jakarta.”
‘Continued discussions’
He added that the government had been attempting to secure the stone’s return since 2004.
Timothy Elliott, the 7th Earl of Minto, confirmed he had been approached over the possible repatriation of the stone.
He said it became his family’s property after it was gifted to his ancestor Gilbert Elliott, the 1st Earl of Minto.
However, he confirmed that trustees were willing to enter into talks about its future.
“We have been approached by representatives of the Indonesian government and the trustees are willing to continue our discussions with them,” he said.
Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles was proclaimed lieutenant governor of Java by Lord Minto in 1811.
He was also the founder of Singapore in 1819 and is widely credited for the creation of Britain’s Far Eastern empire. Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/
Add comment February 5th, 2008