Postage stamp collectors and astronomy enthusiasts are in for a treat as PT Pos Indonesia releases a new series of stamps depicting the solar eclipse. What makes these stamps stand out is the promotion of an intriguing tale from Papua, one of the country’s easternmost provinces, which narrates the story of a crocodile’s attempt to steal the sun and the moon. In an effort to raise awareness about the region’s rich culture and heritage, PT Pos has partnered with local artists to showcase the tale through stunning art on the postage stamps. This innovative project not only promotes the significance of the solar eclipse but also showcases Indonesia’s diverse cultural heritage.
To celebrate the rare hybrid solar eclipse that occurred on Thursday, state-owned postal company PT Pos Indonesia has released a postage stamp series featuring a Papuan folktale. Sri Emelda, Service and Marketing Manager for the company’s Jakarta Philatelic Office, stated that the 2023 solar eclipse postage stamp series shows an illustration of a Papuan folktale.
According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), areas in Maluku, West Papua, and Papua provinces were able to witness a total solar eclipse from 1:20 p.m. to 1:54 p.m. Eastern Indonesian Standard Time. These included Kisar Island and Batu Merah Sub-district in Maluku Province, Roswar Island and Karas Sub-district in West Papua Province, and Biak Island in Papua Province.
People in other regions could only see a partial solar eclipse. To mark this extraordinary event, PT Pos Indonesia features the folklore of “Reviving the Sun” in the postage stamp series.
The story centers on the struggle of a brave young man named Rangi, who lived in a small village enveloped in darkness in the southern area of the Jayawijaya Mountains. He strived to dispel the darkness and save his village by acquiring two magical javelins. Rangi threw the javelins, and the darkness that once covered the sun disappeared, allowing his village to enjoy sunlight.
The postage stamp series is available for purchase at the Jakarta Philatelic Office, filateli.co.id, and post offices across Indonesia in the form of First Day Cover, Souvenir Sheet, and Full Sheet. The series costs Rp22 thousand (US$1.48), Rp30 thousand (US$2.02), and Rp 42 thousand (US$2.83), respectively, according to the PT Pos Indonesia website.
Faizal R. Djoemadi, President of PT Pos Indonesia, stated that the series also contains a QR Code that provides information about the total solar eclipse phenomenon.
The hybrid solar eclipse is a rare celestial event that occurs when the sun, moon, and earth align perfectly, resulting in a unique and breathtaking view of the sun. It occurs when the moon is not close enough to the earth to completely obscure the sun, as in a total solar eclipse, but still blocks most of the sun’s light.
With the scarcity of total solar eclipses, the hybrid solar eclipse generated much excitement and interest from Indonesians. The fact that a Papuan folktale is featured in the postage stamp series adds a cultural significance and allows Indonesians to celebrate their diverse cultural heritage.
In summary, PT Pos Indonesia commemorates the hybrid solar eclipse with a postage stamp series featuring a Papuan folktale. The series is available for purchase at various locations across Indonesia and contains a QR Code with information about the rare celestial event. Its unique and cultural significance adds to Indonesians’ excitement about the hybrid solar eclipse.
