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"It would be unfortunate to allow heritage of such historical and
archaeological value to be scattered, thereby depriving both scientists and
the general public of access to an exceptional collection. Exploiting an
archaeological site and dispersing its artefacts is an irreversible process.
Yet the contents of the shipwreck found off the coast of the city of Cirebon have much to
tell us about cultural and commercial exchanges in the region at that
time," said Ms Bokova. "UNESCO, through its 2001 Convention on the
Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, urges States to safeguard
sunken heritage and to make it available for scientific study and public
enjoyment. We therefore encourage the Indonesian government to make every
effort to ensure that thorough scientific examination of the site is carried
out and the artefacts are presented in museums. Evidently UNESCO stands ready
to lend its expertise in museology and conservation to the Indonesian
authorities."
Located by a private exploration company in 2004 off the coast of Cirebon in northern Java, the ship is thought to have
foundered in the 10th century as it sailed to Java from Sumatra.
More than 270,000 artefacts (Chinese ceramics, religious objects, jewellery,
gold coins, pottery etc) were salvaged from the wreck, giving the discovery
exceptional historical value. In 2007, a mission of experts from UNESCO
visited the site where the finds are stored. The experts underlined their
historical importance and the need to conserve them in suitable conditions.
They offered to help the Indonesian government preserve the artefacts, which
are particularly fragile when they are brought out of the water.
The Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, adopted
by UNESCO in 2001, entered into force in January 2009. It aims to ensure
better protection of underwater wrecks and ruins. The treaty represents the
international community's response to the increase in looting and destruction
of underwater cultural heritage, which technological progress has placed
within the reach of treasure hunters.
The Convention is based on four principles: the obligation to preserve
underwater cultural heritage; in situ preservation, i.e. underwater, as a
preferred option; no commercial exploitation of artefacts; and cooperation by
States on protecting this heritage, promoting training in underwater
archaeology and raising public awareness. The Convention's Annex contains
practical rules concerning activities directed at underwater cultural
heritage.
The Convention currently numbers 31 States Parties. UNESCO hopes that Indonesia
will ratify the Convention and offers its assistance to facilitate the
process.
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