This article documents and discusses intangible cultural heritage in Indonesia. Dealing with intangible cultural heritage in Indonesia must be seen in the context of a long period of colonization, extremely high cultural diversity and a still young nation. In Indonesia today, intangible heritage exists in a diverse political context of cultural policy, museum policy and religious policy. It also plays a role in national art debates and as an economic resource, for example for tourism. Controversies arise from conflicting local, regional and national interests. The current debates are strongly influenced by the postcolonial relationship between Indonesia and the Netherlands as a former colonial power and revolve heavily around repatriation.