Have you ever wondered how people communicated before the internet? Here at the Museum Perangko in Jakarta, we unravel that story. The Museum Perangko, nestled within the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, offers a fascinating journey through the history of postal communication. It was the brainchild of First Lady Tien Soeharto, inspired by a stamp exhibition during a scout jamboree in 1981. President Soeharto officially opened the museum on September 29, 1983. The museum’s architecture is a blend of Javanese and Balinese styles. A globe with a dove carrying a letter sits prominently in the front yard. This symbolizes the worldwide reach of postal services. As you enter, you’ll encounter a statue of Hanoman, the messenger god from the Ramayana. Two Balinese paintings flank the entrance, depicting communication before paper, using leaves. Inside, six exhibition rooms showcase the evolution of mail. You’ll see early writing tools and miniature mail transport models from the 17th and 19th centuries. The museum houses Indonesian and international stamps, including the Penny Black, the world’s first postage stamp. You can also explore the stamp-making process, from design to printing. The museum displays stamps from different periods of Indonesian history. These include the Dutch colonial era, the Japanese occupation, and the period of independence. A notable exhibit features stamps depicting Sukarno and Hatta, printed abroad during the struggle for independence. The Museum Perangko is more than just stamps. It’s a testament to human ingenuity in connecting across distances. It provides a window into the art, culture, and history reflected in these tiny, adhesive squares. The museum is a poignant reminder of a time when communication was a more deliberate and tangible act.
Masjid As-Sa’adah
“A beacon of hope,” whispered an elderly man, gesturing towards Masjid As-Sa’adah. Masjid As-Sa’adah stands as a testament to the