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Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Indonesia 2025 - Traditional Ceremonies in Indonesia


Technical Details:
Issue Date: 29 July 2025
Price: IDR 10,000 x 4v
Printing Quantity: 3,000 sets
Designer: Aryotejo Kusumo Swastiko
Printer: Perum PERURI


Traditional ceremonies in Indonesia are a reflection of the rich culture and spirituality passed down through generations. Each region holds unique and steadfast traditions, often involving rituals, dances, music, and offerings to honor ancestors, nature, or God. These ceremonies not only serve as celebrations but also as guardians of noble values, social norms, and communal identity, strengthening relationships between individuals and communities.

These diverse traditional ceremonies also serve as captivating cultural tourism attractions. From Sabang to Merauke, these traditions are proof of Indonesia's immense diversity. Traditional ceremonies are not merely a spectacle, but a profound experience that invites us to understand local wisdom and the philosophy of life of indigenous communities. This is an intangible heritage worth preserving and being proud of.

IDR 10,000.-  - Ngetung Batih
In Trenggalek, East Java, there is a unique traditional ceremony called Ngetung Batih. This ceremony is a tradition of counting living family members or descendants from one ancestor. Its purpose is to record and strengthen the bonds of kinship among extended family members, as well as a form of honoring ancestors. The procession involves a large family gathering, reading of genealogies, and sometimes accompanied by communal prayers and meals.

IDR 10,000.-  - Bakar Batu (Stone Burning)
From Highland Papua, there is the highly iconic Bakar Batu (Stone Burning) traditional ceremony. This ceremony is one of the most important traditions of the Papuan highland communities, used for various celebrations such as wedding feasts, welcoming important guests, or as a sign of gratitude for an abundant harvest. The main procession involves burning stones until they are glowing hot, and then these hot stones are used to cook pork and tubers in a prepared pit.

IDR 10,000.-  - Bau Nyale
In Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, the Bau Nyale traditional ceremony is a tradition of catching sea worms (nyale) that are believed to be the reincarnation of Princess Mandalika. This ceremony is usually held once a year in February or March on the southern coast of Lombok, and it is an important moment for the Sasak people to pray and hope for blessings. Thousands of people gather on the beach to search for nyale, which are believed to bring good fortune.

IDR 10,000.-  - Ngobeng
Ngobeng is a communal dining traditional ceremony originating from Palembang, South Sumatra. This tradition illustrates togetherness and harmony, where dishes are served on large trays and eaten together by several people while sitting on the floor. Ngobeng is often held during large events such as weddings, thanksgiving ceremonies, or family gatherings. reflecting the values of mutual cooperation and closeness of the Palembang community.

As a form of appreciation and cultural preservation, Indonesian Traditional Ceremony Stamps featuring the aforementioned traditional ceremonies are planned to be issued on July 29, 2025. The issuance of these stamps is expected to raise public awareness of Indonesia's cultural richness and promote cultural tourism both nationally and internationally.

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Malaysia 2022 - Kebaya, Traditional Attire



on 27 October 2022 with the topic of Traditional Attire – Kebaya.

The products are:
RM 0.50 - Kebaya Sulam
RM 1.30 - Kebaya Pendek
RM 5.00 - Kebaya Labuh

Singapore 2025 - Multinational Inscription of Kebaya on the UNESCO List


Specifications:
This set contains four stamps from the Multinational Inscription of Kebaya on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Culture Heritage of Humanity.

Date of Issue: 4 April 2025
Denomination: 1st Local, 80¢ x 2, 85¢
Stamp Size: 29.85mm x 40.8mm
Perforation: 13
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Offset Lithography
Printer: Secura Singapore Pte Ltd
Sheet Content: 10 stamps per sheet
Graphic Designer: Syed Ismail, Pinch Design Pte Ltd


Description
This commemorative stamp issue celebrates the multinational inscription of the kebaya on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Worn by women across Southeast Asia, the kebaya is a garment that reflects the shared heritage of the five nominating countries. Women from diverse backgrounds and all ages wear the kebaya to honour their traditions and identity. The stamp series features four styles commonly seen in Singapore: the kebaya panjang, kebaya sulam, kebaya kotabaru, and the kebaya pendek.